On Kopitar, Stamkos and potential college UFAs …
- Bob McKenzie of TSN: Think that a deal between the LA Kings and Anze Kopitar is “close,” but not done. McKenzie thinks they have the term (expected to be the maximum eight years) and money (close to $10) more or less in place, but maybe still working on the wording/terms of a no-movement and/or no-trade clauses.
- A contract extension between the Lightning and Steven Stamkos doesn’t appear to be progressing like Kopitar and the Kings. There are lots of theories about how much Stamkos is wanting and how much the Lightning want to pay. Both sides are keeping quiet on the matter. McKenzie thinks that the Lightning want to sign Stamkos, and that he wants to stay in Tampa. Some people in the industry think that Stamkos won’t re-sign.
- The Predators remain in a waiting game with unsigned prospect Jimmy Vesey. Vesey could be the best player in college hockey, and he can become a UFA on August 15th if he’s not signed before then. The Maple Leafs hired his dad as a scout this past offseason. The Leafs say it was Vesey who reached out to them about a potential position. The Leafs drafted Jimmy’s younger brother in the 6th round of the 2014 draft. Predators GM David Poile said there is a NHL spot for Jimmy if he decides to sign with them.
- Some other college players who could becomes UFAs in August: Matt Grzelcyk (BOS), Mark Jankowski (CGY) and Cristoval (Boo) Nieves (NYR).
On the Lightning …
- Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times: Steven Stamkos’ agents were at the Lightning game last night. GM Steve Yzerman was not in Tampa. Don Meehan and Mark Guy were in town to watch several of their clients that are on the Lightning and Kings. Guy on the talks.
“Nothing new,” Guy said.
On the Senators …
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Daniel Alfredson on how fascinating it is to watching Senators GM Bryan Murray have conversations with other teams about possible trades.
“For sure it is, there are discussions going on, Bryan is working the phone quite a bit, just to hear what’s going on around the league and staying up to date with everything,” said Alfredsson. “Those discussions are interesting.”