On the Montreal Canadiens …
- Brian Wilde: There was a rumor going around last week that Tomas Plekanec had asked for a trade. When Francois Gagnon asked him about on the weekend, Plekanec laughed and said he didn’t.
On the Tampa Bay Lightning …
- Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times: The Lightning are in a good spot with regards to their goaltenders – Ben Bishop (29) and Andrei Vasilevskiy (21). Bishop has another season left on his contract at a $5.95 million salary cap hit. Vasilevskiy has another year left on his entry-level deal.Lightning GM Steve Yzerman will have decision to make eventually, but Yzerman said it’s “a way off.”
“It’s Andrei’s really first full year in the NHL, and he’s getting an opportunity to play more. He’s got an outstanding attitude, (is) an outstanding young goaltender. There’s no need to rush it.”
No one is suggesting a move before the trade deadline, but a Bishop vs. Vasilevskiy debate could heat up this offseason.
It’s been assumed that Vasilevskiy will take over for Bishop at some point. Vasilevskiy’s salary will be lower than Bishop’s, at least in the short-term. Smith wonders that if Steven Stamkos moves on, and if they can get Matt Carle’s contract off the books, could the Lightning consider keeping Bishop next and beyond?
Bishop’s trade value may never be higher though.
“Goalies have a huge impact on the game and on a team,” Yzerman said. “You need good goaltending to win in the NHL. Between Ben and Andrei, we feel we’ve got a really good tandem. The two of them give us a chance to win every single night.”
Scouting the Montreal Canadiens – Carolina Hurricanes game yesterday …
- Hockey Inside/Out: Scouts listed for the Canadiens-Hurricanes game: Red Wings, Stars, Maple Leafs, Capitals, Predators, Kings (2), Stars, Jets, Devils, Rangers, Flames, Hurricanes, Wild, Islanders, and Coyotes.
Scouting the Dallas Stars – Chicago Blackhawks game on Saturday …
- Mike Heika: Only the Blue Jackets and Hurricanes were at the game. Hurricanes Joe Nieuwendyk is a fixture at Stars games.