- Mark Lazerus of the Chicago Sun-Times: Antoine Vermette knows that the Blackhawks likely won’t be able to afford him next season.
“I like it here, it’s great,” he said. “But I recognize it’s a tricky position, and out of my control. That being said, my focus couldn’t be further from that. I like it here right now, and I see the potential and the opportunity this group has. I’m very glad to be a part of that, for however long I am.”
- Ken Warren of the Ottawa Citizen: Pending Senators UFA Erik Condra isn’t worried about his next contract.
“I’m on this fun ride right now,” Condra said before Thursday’s game against Boston. “No one has talked. Hopefully, we continue to play the same way we have. As a line, as a team. When teams win, things work out for the players on that team.”
As the trade deadline approached, there was some talk that he could be moved for a mid to late round draft pick.
- News 1130 Sports: Contract talks between the Canucks and Jordan Subban’s agent, Mark Guy “will begin after Jordan’s season.”
- Matthew Sekeres: Canucks GM Jim Benning is “hoping” that he can get a contract extension with defenseman Chris Tanev signed before the end of the season. Talks with Tanev’s agent have been positive.
- Jim Matheson: Any team wanting to sign college free Matt O’Connor will likely have to promise him some NHL games this season. Craig Custance: Last count had five teams offering him some games this season, burning a year off his entry-level contract.
- Craig Custance of ESPN: Though evidence from a Corey Pronman piece suggests it may be better for the team selecting third overall in this year’s draft to take a forward, but if it’s the Oilers, they have to take a defenseman. The only way the Oilers (if selecting 3rd) should go with a forward is if they trade one of their wingers for a defenseman.The Avalanche should look to bring in a defenseman that is able to quickly retrieve the puck and start the transition immediately.
- Mike Zeisberger of the Toronto Sun: Sharks Joe Thornton doesn’t plan on going anywhere.
“I see myself as a Shark. My contract is up in two years and I still feel like playing, I want to be a Shark,” Thornton told QMI Agency Wednesday. “I love San Jose. I honestly see myself definitely finishing this contract and if I have the legs to hopefully play longer, stay in San Jose.”
Thornton added that he’s never been approached to waive his no-trade clause.
“Doug’s never asked me to,” Thornton said. “I think people though over the summer he asked me but he didn’t.”