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Sharp could have extension this summer … Lightning-Brewer close … Winnipeg Jets? … Flyers looking to move up in draft … Richards could be looking for 8/$50-55 million
Mark Easson
Pierre LeBrun via twitter: Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman has met with Patrick Sharp’s agent. Sharp is a UFA after next season, both sides agreed to talk again in a few weeks. The Blackhawks are confident that they can get a contract extension done with Sharp this summer.
Nick Kypreos via twitter: The Lightning and Eric Brewer are closing in on a 4 year deal worth $16 million.
Dean Molberg (Fan 960) via twitter: “Rumors in Minny suggest True North has bowed to public pressure and will go with Winnipeg Jets after all.” Bob McKenzie via twitter: Winnipeg to announce team name before making the 7th overall pick. Michael Traikos via twitter: Mark Chipman hinted that Winnipeg team name will be unveiled at draft, but they may not have a jersey. Update: Darren Dreger via twitter: Dreger has a strong belief that Winnipeg team will be named the Manitoba Jets. Dreger corrects: “Secret is out. Wpg Jets returns.”
Tim Panaccio via twitter: Panaccio thinks that Lavy may prefer winger Erik Cole over Brad Richards on July 1st.
Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News: The Flyers have been “absolutely drooling” over Gabriel Landeskog, and may be interested in moving up. Florida #3 could be the spot they would need to jump to. Seravalli thinks that Kris Versteeg and the #8 pick would be enough. If the Flyers aren’t able to move and they keep the pick, look for them to draft a defenseman, maybe Dougie Hamilton or Ryan Murphy. Brad Richards most likely won’t end up in Philadelphia. Seravalli reports that Steven Stamkos “isn’t as far-fetched as it sounds.” The more people he talks to, the more it sounds like it could be a possibility. The Flyers may have a deal in place with Ville Leino before leaving the draft this weekend.
Larry Brooks of the NY Post: Brad Richards (31) could be looking for a 8 year deal in the $50-$55 million range, and could grow if a bidding war starts.