On the Dallas Stars, Winnipeg Jets, Florida Panthers and Nashville Predators …
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The Stars are likely looking to add a veteran, top-four defenseman by the trade deadline. Pending UFAs they could look at include Mark Streit (PHI), Kris Russell (CGY) and Brian Campbell (FLA).
- If the Jets are not able to re-sign Dustin Byfuglien, Matheson thinks the Panthers would be a team interested in him. Byfuglien and Panthers GM Dale Tallon were together in Chicago. Tallon didn’t really want to trade him to Atlanta, but had too for salary cap reason.
- Roman Josi’s play may lead the Predators to consider trading Shea Weber this offseason.
On the Ottawa Senators and Mike Hoffman …
- Ian Mendes of TSN: Heading into the Senators game against the Panthers earlier this week, Mike Hoffman had 10 goals in 10 games. Part way through game, Hoffman was moved back to be on a line with Jean-Gabriel Pageau and Alex Chiasson. At points last year, coach Dave Cameron demoted Hoffman to the fourth line even though he led the team with 26 even strength goals. Some are wondering how this will play out in contract talks. Hoffman is a pending RFA, and could become a UFA in 2017.
- Chris Nichols of Today’s Slapshot: Senators GM Bryan Murray on TSN 1200 on their pending RFA Mike Hoffman.
“We’re not even going to go there at this point…
“When we went to arbitration with Mike, he was coming out of the minors. He had a good year last year for us, getting points and scoring goals in particular. You never know with young players if it’s a one-time thing, or if it’s going to continue. In Mike’s case it has continued. We think that like every player, there’s going to be some ups and downs in the season.
“But we’re going to let things happen and it’s not going to be in the public eye, I don’t think, if we can help it, as far as what we do, where we’re going with him.”