- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The Oilers still have Ben Scrivens under contract for next season, but they will look at adding another goalie this offseason. The Oilers could dangle the first round pick they received from the Penguins for David Perron to see what goalies could be available. Two goalies that might interest the Oilers are Kings Martin Jones and Rangers Cam Talbot. Other trade candidates or free agent possibilities include Robin Lehner, Craig Anderson, Jonathan Bernier, Cam Ward, Jonas Hiller, Antti Niemi and Karri Ramo.
- Matt Larkin of The Hockey News: Hurricanes GM Ron Francis like some of the young pieces they have in Elias Lindholm, Haydn Fleury and Justin Faulk.
“Unfortunately, being out of the playoffs, we had to make some moves and unload some of the UFAs we weren’t going to be able to re-sign,” Francis said. “That set us back a bit. But there are a lot of good, young pieces in our lineup.”
Eric Staal is will a UFA at the end of next season and they could get a lot for him at next year’s trade deadline. Cam Ward could also be an attractive rental for someone.
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Stars Kari Lehtonen has three years left with a cap hit of $5.9 million, the eight highest among goalies. His contract would be burden for any team interested in trading for him. The Stars could retain as much as 50 percent of his contract. They could buyout his contract, paying out $11.22 million over six years at a cap hit around $1.87 million. Moving him out would then create a hole in net that they would need to fill. Their backup, Jhonas Enroth, is a pending UFA.
- Rich Hammond: Pending RFA Tyler Toffoli doesn’t know where contracts stand with the Kings.
- Tom Gulitti: Panthers Jaromir Jagr expects to be back with the team next season. His agent was at the arena yesterday.
- Scott McLaughlin: Bruins goalie prospect Zane McIntyre said he’ll talk to his college coaches, family and the Bruins before deciding on whether to go pro or not.
- Sarah McLellan: Coyotes GM Don Maloney on college free agents: “We weren’t hot after anybody specifically.” They are still having talks with a few players.
