- Tim Panaccio of CSN Philly: Flyers GM Ron Hextall still hopes to re-sign RFA defenseman Michael Del Zotto, but admits there has been little progress during their talks.
“We’re chugging along at a slow pace,” he said, adding that the signing of Russian defenseman Evgeni Medvedev has no impact with re-signing Del Zotto.
Both sides hope to avoid arbitration. Hextall said that contract talks continue with Chris VandeVelde, Ryan White and Rob Zepp. Hextall said that he wants to check out the free agent goalie market for a potential Ray Emery replacement, though they haven’t cut all ties with Emery.
Hextall said that his top priority this offseason is finding a “skilled forward” who might be able to play with Wayne Simmonds.
- Lance Hornby of Toronto Sun: RFA Jonathan Bernier hopes to sign a long-term contract. The Leafs filed for salary arbitration. It’s likely that they will get something done before they go to arbitration in late July/early August. A two- or three-year deal could also happen. The money may be the biggest question. The Leafs have indicated that they won’t comment on Bernier until next week.
- Bob McKenzie: Not quite done yet, but the Maple Leafs and Zach Hyman have the framework of a two-year entry level deal.
- News 1130 Sports: Brad Richardson said his reps have been negotiating with the Canucks and he’s optimistic about it, despite talks only being in the first stages: “My first priority is to be back with the Canucks. I love the team and love the city, so hopefully something works out.”
- Igor Eronko: Rangers prospect Pavel Buchnevich: ‘It’s too hard to make the #NYRangers roster now, so I decided to develop in the #KHL for one more year’
- Mark Spector of Sportsnet: Spector ranking the top UFA goalies and their best fits.1. Devan Dubnuk – Wild, then Flames, Blues, Sharks and Stars.
2. Antti Niemi – Stars and Blues.
3. Karri Ramo – Sabres, Sharks and Coyotes.
4. Michal Neuvirth – Sharks, Coyotes and Flames.
5. Josh Harding – Sabres and Sharks.