- Mike Giardi of CSNNE: Source saying that Charlie Jacobs and Harry Sinden wanted Jeff Gorton as the Bruins next GM over Don Sweeney. Has been reported that the Rangers wouldn’t allow teams to speak with Gorton while they were still playing. Source close to Gorton saying that Gorton wouldn’t have been comfortable with Cam Neely having the final say on the roster, something Sweeney agreed to live with.
- John Vogl: Sabres GM Tim Murray said on WGR that he’s not trading the second overall pick. Had two calls about it, but they were short.
- Jason Brough: Would be shopping Mark Streit – he’s 37-years old and he’s not going to be a part of the Flyers future. Nobody wants Andrew MacDonald and they won’t get much for Luke Schenn.
- Lou Korac: Blues GM Doug Armstrong said that he has been talking with Ken Hitchcock and has had good communication with him since the end of the season. They are talking now and discussing what they need to do to make the Blues better. They are closer to the finalizing their coaching plans than they were two-three weeks ago, but are not there just yet.
- Kevin Kurz: Don’t see Adam Oates as a fit in San Jose.
- Pierre LeBrun: On the Maple leafs: “Say what you want but this is the first time in decades that the guy running the Leafs seems intent on the painful, patient, long-term build. Now, who knows if they know what they’re doing, but their intentions are the very least are the right ones. It’s been a long time.
- Stephen Whyno: Mike Babcock had high praises for Mark Hunter, saying that “he gets players.” No one would be shocked if Mark Hunter ends up being the Leafs GM.
- David Pagnotta: Mike Futa, George McPhee and Jeff Gorton are among the Leafs GM targets. Get the sense that they are willing to wait before making a decision on their next GM.
- Glenn Schiiler: Think that it’s 70-30 that Phil Kessel will be gone now that Mike Babcock is the coach. There is the possibility that Babcock is what Kessel needs to finally play at both ends of the ice.
- Greg Brady: “Can confirm Babcock’s contract in US dollars. Exchange-rate proof! He’ll take home $488,000 US more per year in Toronto than the DRW offer.”
- Chris Johnston: Leafs assistant GM Kyle Dubas will talk to Sheldon Keefe about their AHL head coaching vacancy. They will look at others as well: “We’re in the process of seeking permission elsewhere.”
- Jonas Siegel: Dubas added that the Maple Leafs want to develop coaches that opposing teams will want to hire and pay the draft pick compensation to get them.
- Jason Gregor: Three different NHL management people have said that the compensation rule was interpreted incorrectly and not what most voted on.