On the New York Rangers …
Aaron Ward: The Rangers and Chris Kreider agree on a four year contract with a salary cap hit of $4.625 million before their arbitration hearing.
On Brad Richards …
Nick Cotsonika: Brad Richards said he had the opportunity to continue playing, but a big reason for retiring was that he didn’t want to keep moving his young family. He and his wife are expecting a baby in October.
On the Toronto Maple Leafs …
Chris Johnston: Maple Leafs GM Lou Lamoriello said that when he came to the the Maple Leafs, he decided that he wouldn’t be operating in the “New Jersey way.”
On the Vancouver Canucks …
TSN Radio Vancouver: Iain MacIntre (Vancouver Sun) doesn’t think the Canucks would consider trading Chris Tanev.
On the Buffalo Sabres …
Mike Harrington of the Buffalo News: The Sabres and RFA defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen are still talking about a long-term deal.
RFA Zemgus Girgensons is looking for a two or three year deal. Girgensons agent Kent Hughes:
“I can’t comment on the negotiations other than to say we are in communication. “
On the Edmonton Oilers …
Jonathan Willis of the Edmonton Journal: It has become clear that Oilers winger Nail Yakupov doesn’t have a lot of trade value around the NHL. Sun-Sentinel writer Harvey Fialkov shot down the Yakupov for Alex Petrovic rumors earlier this week.
If a team were to trade for Yakupov, it may mean they’d have to commit to protecting him in the expansion draft, or risk losing him for nothing.
On the Colorado Avalanche …
Adrian Dater of Bleacher Report: The Avalanche still haven’t re-signed defenseman Tyson Barrie, but they aren’t that concerned as they know they still control his rights for the next three seasons. If they get to salary arbitration, they will likely select the two-year option. Their hearing is scheduled for July 29th.
There have been lots of trade rumors surrounding Barrie, but a source said they are unfounded.