- If Zach Parise hits the free agent market on July 1st, a Rick Nash deal may have to wait so the Blue Jackets can get a true sense of the market may offer. The Rangers and Sharks may be Nash’s preferred destinations, but he may have to soften his stance on his limited team list.
- The Maple Leafs need an experienced goalie, a top center and more grit and depth in their bottom 6. Leafs say Luke Schenn isn’t being shopped and they don’t want to trade Jake Gardiner. Teams know they have defenseman available.
- The Canadiens want to get bigger, and are looking for a left winger to play with Tomas Plekanec and Brian Gionta. They are also looking for a top 4 defenseman. They are unlikely to trade their 3rd overall pick, but they are keeping an open mind.
- The Senators have lots of young assets, and if owner Eugene Melnyk can be convinced to add the extra money, they could take a run at Rick Nash. The Sens are likely to be listening to offers on goalie Robin Lehner or Ben Bishop.
- If Jets goalie Ondrej Pavelec doesn’t get a multi-year deal in the $4 million range, he could look at the KHL. Some teams think the Evander Kane could be available, though both the Jets and Kane’s camp say he hasn’t asked for a trade and there have been no trade discussions.
- The Canucks are listening to interested parties on Roberto Luongo, but a deal may not happen before the draft. Canucks GM Mike Gillis said “don’t bother” for teams considering an offer sheet for Cory Schneider. Gillis isn’t that enthused about trades this week, and the that the market may be better later on in the summer.
- The Oilers are looking to add 2 top 4 defenseman this summer. The 1st overall pick could be available. If Predators re-sign Suter, they may have trouble keeping Shea Weber and Ryan Ellis long term, and the Oilers would be interested. They’ll pursue Justin Schultz. The Oilers are also looking for help in net.
- The Flames will look at all trade scenarios that don’t involve Jarome Iginla or Miikka Kiprusoff. They are looking to add a top 6 forward. Mikael Backlund and Jay Bouwmeester are names that could be traded. Jaromir Jagr may interest them.
Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer: The Flyers will take a look at free agent defenseman on July 1st to see what’s there. GM Paul Holmgren wouldn’t comment on whether they are interested in Justin Schultz as he didn’t want to be accused of tampering.
Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer: A source said the Flyers will make inquiries about Zach Parise and Ryan Suter. He remains optimistic that he’ll get Matt Carle re-signed and now maybe lukewarm on Jaromir Jagr. Once the salary cap goes up to around $70.3 million on July 1st, Carle may be re-signed. Holmgren on James van Reimsdyk name being in trade rumors:
“He should maybe take that as a compliment _ that he keeps hearing his name like that,” Holmgren said. “I like James. I think he has a tremendous future in the league, and he’s one of our most gifted goal scorers _ and he’s 6-foot-3 or 6-4. He’s our player right now.”
Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News: The Red Wings also can’t talk about Schultz, but they are 1 of about a dozen teams that are extremely interested. There is a belief that Schultz wants to play closer to home (British Columbia) or with former Wisconsin teammates. The Canucks, Oilers, Rangers and Maple Leafs are said to be leading candidates. Schultz did play with Red Wings defenseman Brendan Smith for 1 season.
Curtis Zupke via twitter: LA Kings GM Dean Lombardi said that ideally he would like to get Jonathan Quick’s contract extension done before the start of training camp but the new CBA could complicate things.
Sarah McLellan via twitter: Coyotes GM Maloney has talked to all 6 of their UFAs. Talks with Shane Doan are “positive” and “encouraging.” Sticking point with Ray Whitney is length and money. The 40 year old Whitney wants more than 1 year. Maloney has had conversations with Michal Rozsival, he’s not pursuing a KHL deal and wants to remain in the NHL. The free agent pool isn’t deep, so teams could be looking the trade route. Maloney has already started making calls.
Andy Strickland via twitter: Former Chicago Blackhawk, Cristobal Huet is looking to return to the NHL after playing a couple seasons in the Swiss league.
Darren Dreger via twitter: Brad Stuart took less to sign with the Sharks than he could have got elsewhere. 3 year deal at $3.6 million per season.