- Terry Frei of the Denver Post: Avs Joe Sakic has indicated that they would attempt to sign Ryan O’Reilly to a contract extension in the offseason to prevent him from becoming a UFA after the 2015-16 season.
“I don’t want to trade Ryan,” Sakic said. “The plan right now? No. Never say never. I don’t believe anybody’s untouchable. We’re not in a position to say we have one untouchable. If there’s a deal that’s going to improve our organization, we would look to do something. But with that being said, I don’t want to trade any our core.
“Ryan, I’m anticipating that we’ll try to re-sign him this summer. You’ve got another year left, and let’s see where that goes. … Absolutely, he’s one of our core players, so we’ll try to get that done in the offseason. With that being said, it is a situation where we’re not going to want those distractions going on next year, either. So we’ll try to sign him in the offseason here.”
The Avs were six points out of a wild-card spot heading into last night. Sakic on the approaching deadline.
“We’re in the thick of things right now,” Sakic said. “Obviously, I’ve had conversations with different teams. We’ve had teams inquire about some of our guys. We’re not going to go out and try to acquire somebody for our run. I don’t think we’re in a position to give up draft picks or prospects just to try to make a run this year.
Sakic added: “We’re not going to try to acquire anybody unless it’s a hockey trade that’s going to improve us now and long-term. I’m not going to look to add anything on a short-term basis this year.”
They’d listen to offers on defenseman Jan Hejda.
“If it’s something that’s going to help us down the line, we’ll have to give it a good look,” Sakic said. “I’ve been in contact with a lot of GMs, and names have come up and there’s a lot of inquiries.”
- Josh Rimer:(10:04 last night) A lot of speculation around the Bruins. Might happen late night or early tomorrow morning.
- John Shannon: On Monday, teams are also now able to expand their rosters to any number of players as long as they are under the cap.
- Alex Prewitt: Capitals coach Barry Trotz said they are still “exploring” the trade market. He likes what they have on their blueline now. Sounding like any additions will be up front.
- Jason Mackey: Sources confirm that the prices for the Penguins to acquire a defenseman are extremely high.
- Nicholas Goss: Scouting the Bruins-Coyotes: Lightning, Blue Jackets, Canadiens, Blues, Maple Leafs, Canucks, Hurricanes and Flames
- Shawn Mitchell: Scouting the Blue Jackets-Devils: Penguins (2), Sharks, Blackhaws, Red Wings and Ducks.
- Randy Miller: Scouting the Flyers-Rangers: Blackhawks, Penguins and Flames.
- Dennis Bernstein: On the Kings/Canadiens scouting – The Kings could use a play making third line center. Jarret Stoll is good on faceoffs, but he’s gone 28 games without an assist.