- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: There will be changes in San Jose if the Sharks miss the playoffs. Head coach Todd McLellan will certainly be let go, and many are wondering if GM Doug Wilson would be fired as well. If Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau don’t want to be traded this summer, the other option would be to buy them out, which would be a little drastic. McLellan likely wouldn’t be out of work for too long.
Contract talks between the Maple Leafs and Nazem Kadri should be interesting this summer. He’s making $2.9 million this season and will be looking for raise. Kadri’s camp may be looking for more than $5.5 million.Sabres coach Ted Nolan will likely be let go after the season.
Have to wonder about the Coyotes when their five-year out clause expires. They have already lost $34 million, and have the option to move after losing $50 million in four years. Recently added owner Andrew Barroway has been pushing for a rebuild.
The Predators have started talks with pending UFA Mike Fisher. Not much chance that he’s leaving Nashville.
If the Blues don’t get out of the first round, there will likely be some change, which could include head coach Ken Hitchcock.
Some are wondering about Lou Lamoriello and his future with the Devils if/when they miss the playoffs.
- Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: Respected GMs Dean Lombardi (LA), Ken Holland (DET) and Jim Nill (DAL) are all said to be interested in Leafs Dion Phaneuf: “Which begs the question: If three of the brightest men in hockey like Phaneuf, why are the Leafs so anxious to move him?”
One GM on Brendan Shanahan: “Does he know what he’s doing? Because if you look at the Leafs from the outside, it doesn’t look like it.”A scout on pending college free agent Matt O’Connor: “He’s the flavour of the month,” said the veteran scout. “Reminds me of Ray Staszak. Everybody loved him. How’d that turn out?”
- The Fourth Period: The Flyers haven’t started contract talks with pending RFA Michael Del Zotto. Del Zotto currently carries a $1.3 million salary. Neither side appears concerned and it’s not known if they will start contract talks before the end of the season.