- Elliotte Friedman: Red Wings director of pro scouting Mark Howe was at the Maple Leafs – Sabres game on Wednesday. The Red Wings have cap room for next season, but in 2016 they’ll have free agents in Justin Abdelkader, Danny DeKeyser, Darren Helm, Gustav Nyquist, Riley Sheahan and Brendan Smith.Avs coach Patrick Roy on if they can’t keep Ryan O’Reilly long-term.
“I will be very disappointed if that doesn’t happen, but I understand the business. Does he want to play in Colorado or test the market? That is his decision. He knows how I feel and how much we want him. I understand that is a tough call…I had the chance to leave Denver late in my career but I stayed because it was best for my family.”
Panthers draft pick Zach Hyman will be a free agent if they don’t sign him by August 16th, and it’s sounding like he won’t be re-signing. Hyman is from Toronto and his previous “advisor” was Kyle Dubas.
Matt O’Connor has told the Oilers he will visit them after the Frozen Four. He’s also expected to visit Buffalo, Calgary, Vancouver and possibly with the Rangers. Other teams may now be interested in O’Connor as they don’t have to burn a year of his contract.
- Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News: Flyers pending RFA Michael Del Zotto has 29 points in 59 games and has been used on their top penalty killing and second power-play units. He’s making $1.3 million this season. The Flyers will retain his rights if they make a $1.3 million qualifying offer.
“I don’t know what’s going to happen,” Del Zotto said. “I love it here. I love the group of guys here, I strongly believe in this room. It’s kind of a weird year, an inconsistent year. I feel we have a team that could do some damage if we stayed consistent. I love everything about it here. It’s an unbelievable sports city. I love the fans. It’s the closest group of guys I’ve ever played with.”
The Flyers could be interested in a long-term deal, but that would depend on the numbers according to GM Ron Hextall. Hextall doesn’t think it will be a difficult contract to get done.
“I have no idea,” Hextall said. “Personally, I don’t think it should be difficult. I think we know where he was, we know where he is. I think two reasonable people can probably put something together that’s fair for both sides. I don’t anticipate , but until you get there, you don’t know.”
- Kevin McGran of the Toronto Star: With four games to go, it’s looking like Maple Leafs Phil Kessel won’t score 30 goals (at 24 heading into tonight). His play may be hurting his trade value. If the Leafs look to trade him this offseason, they will be doing so when his is low. His reputation has also taken a beating this season.