- Kevin Kurz of the CSN California: A source confirmed that if Shane Doan is seeking a 4 year deal worth $30 million, the Sharks won’t be among the teams that would go that high. The Sharks won’t offer more than 3 years at about $4.5 million per season according to the source. If he wants to stay close to Phoenix, the Sharks and Canucks are the only Western Conference teams that are pursuing him.
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: With Chris Kreider and Carl Hagelin still learning, and with Marian Gaborik likely out for the 1st quarter of the season, the Rangers remain interested in Doan. Doan has narrowed his sights on the Rangers, Penguins and Canucks, but it’s unclear if GM Glen Sather will go 4 years. It’s also not known if Doan would come to the Rangers on a 3 year deal.Brooks summarizes the CBA negotiations to basically, “The big-market teams don’t want to pay the small-market teams, the small-market teams don’t want to pay the players, and so, of course, the NHL is stuck in its flawed approach that satisfies both of these constituencies while reaching deep into the athletes’ pockets but doing nothing to generate revenue for cash-poor franchises.”
- Dan Rosen of NHL.com: Canucks GM Mike Gillis’ first and best option is to trade Roberto Luongo. Gillis is still looking for fair market value for Luongo, and said that any deal would change the Canucks depth chart at the both the NHL and prospect level.
“We’re listening,” Gillis said. “We have been listening to teams that are interested in acquiring him. If we get what we torshink the value is there we’ll trade him. I don’t have a timetable. In fact, in hockey things can change in five minutes with one phone call. It’s unrealistic to put a timetable on it.”
Gillis also didn’t rule out Luongo remaining with the team. With Ryan Kesler being out for the start of the season (mid to late November), Jordan Schroeder could fill the hole on the 2nd line. Other top 6 candidates are David Booth, Mason Raymond, and Zach Kassian.
- Josh Cooper of the Tennessean: If the Predators don’t land Shane Doan, they’ll look to the trade market to address their needs. If they aren’t able to bring anyone in, look for youngsters like Craig Smith and Gabriel Bourque to have bigger roles. This is a crucial year for Colin Wilson who was scratched for 6 of their 10 playoff games. A Bobby Ryan trade is possible, though the Ducks may be unwilling to trade him to a Western Conference team. The Preds may need to make a deal for a blueline. Jonathan Blum and Ryan Ellis may be their 5th and 6th defensemen. They did have interest in Paul Martin earlier in the off-season, but it appears he’s remaining with the Penguins.