- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Penguins GM Jim Rutherford isn’t going to rush into anything in his search for a top-six winger. Options could be Phil Kessel, Patrick Sharp, Jeff Skinner, Jiri Hudler and maybe UFA Justin Williams.
LeBrun thinks that Rutherford wants to slow things down in hope that the price comes down, and that in a couple weeks teams will get desperate to move their players. The Maple Leafs (Kessel) and Blackhawks (Sharp) could be thinking the same thing in that teams that miss out in free agency will circle back to them.Rutherford is fine with going into the season with what he has, and then look at acquire help later on in the season.
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Ducks GM Bob Murray on the John Gibson trade speculation.
“John Gibson is not getting traded, so put that out there. John Gibson is not getting traded,” huffed Murray.
After their weekend trades of James Wisniewski and Kyle Palmieri, the Ducks gained some cap flexibility, and they likely aren’t finished.
“There’s a few things out there we’re looking at,” said Murray. “We’ll see how it goes July 5 or 6.”
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: GM Jim Nill on the Stars desire to have a 1a – 1b situation in net.
“We looked at the situation and felt the game has become a two-goalie game,” Nill said. “Other than the elite, elite goalies, the guys that can play 70 games, it’s hard to do. We have tough travel in Dallas. I looked at Calgary last year, how it worked with Hiller and Ramo, I just think that might be the way you have to go nowadays.”
The Sharks are now left looking for a starting goalie. Pending UFA Michal Neuvirth is available, but LeBrun doesn’t think he’s on the Sharks radar. He could be a fit for some team looking for a 1b-type.
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin on RFA Alex Galchenyuk.
“We’re fine with the cap, we have no problem with the money, we’re good. We’ll sign Chucky and move on,” Bergevin said Saturday
The Canadiens would like to add some scoring.
“I’m always listening,” said Bergevin. “Obviously our strength is our goalie and our defense. If we could add some scoring, it would be nice. But again, there’s not much cap flexibility. We have some kids that are pushing in the minors. So we’ll see what happens at camp. But I’ll keep my ears and eyes open . … I’m comfortable with the team we have.”
Bergevin on their July 1st free agency plans.
“Jeff and Torrey, that’s my July 1. I’m not going to chase players July 1,” he said. “Again, we’ll look and see what happens.”