Craig Custance of ESPN: 3 possible goal scoring targets for the Rangers this offseason could be: Zach Parise, Rick Nash and Alexander Radulov. One source on Radulov: “I would be surprised if they didn’t trade him,” one NHL source said. “It’s hard to let him stay in the organization.”
Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Senators GM Bryan Murray said they have had informal talks with Erik Karlsson’s camp, and will present a formal offer to Karlsson as early as next week.
“We had a meeting with our staff yesterday and part of our discussion was how we approach (the talks),” said Murray. “We’ve had informal conversations but that’s all. Now, we’ve got to get going on term and what we think is fair from our point. We’ll have to find out what they think and where we can go dollar-wise.
“We’ll get started within the next week, if not earlier.”
Karlsson is expected to seek a deal similar to Drew Doughty’s 8 year, $56 million deal.
Josh Cooper of the Tennessean: Predators GM David Poile said he’s looking at trading the rights to Alexander Radulov or let him head back to the KHL.
“We feel the fit right now is not with Nashville,” Poile said. “He is currently in negotiations in the KHL, but still leaving the window open to a possible return to the NHL. I have reached out to a few teams in the NHL to see whether there is any interest. If there is there’s the possibility we could trade his rights. But that’s where it stands today.”
Neate Sager of Yahoo! Sports and Andrey Osadchenko of Oilers Nation: Igor Larionov has said that the Maple Leafs may want to trade up in the draft for Nail Yakupov and/or Alex Galchenyuk, as neither may be there when they draft at #5. Larionov added the Blue Jackets are also interested in Yakupov, “Scott Howson, Craig Patrick and Tyler Wright spent two days in Sarnia with Yakupov and his family. It’s a serious indication they really want him.” Larionov:
Tambellini told me: ‘We like him. We want him. But we’re going to make a decision the day before the draft’. I also know the Habs want to get one of my guys – either Nail or Alex [Galchenyuk]. So do the Leafs. It is possible that the Leafs are going to trade their draft pick and get both of them. There is a possibility like that. Nail and Alex went to New Jersey for Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals. After this they met Leafs GM Brian Burke. Then Nail met with the Habs.
Cory Pronman of ESPN: The Oilers have some nice pieces along the blueline like Ladislav Smid, Jeff Petry and Nick Schultz, and some nice prospects in Oscar Klefbom, David Musil, Martin Marincin and Martin Gernat. Pronman thinks the Oilers need to draft Nail Yakupov with the 1st overall pick. Yes, the Oilers could use a top end defenseman, but the draft isn’t the place to fill that need. Murray may have the potential to be one at some point, but it can take defensemen a few years to get there. Going the trade route may be their best option. The Predators and Coyotes could use some scoring help and are stocked with good, young Dmen. The Coyotes have 3 nice Dmen in Oliver Ekman-Larsson, David Rundblad and Brandon Gormley. Some think that Jordan Eberle may be looking for a contract more than he’s worth when he becomes a RFA after 2013-14.
Dirk Hoag via twitter: Wonders if the Predators will extend a qualifying offer to Alexander Radulov in order to retain his rights past July 1st. If not, he’d be a UFA.
Wayne Scanlan via twitter: Senators GM Bryan Murray on UFA defenseman Filip Kuba: “I think we’re moving on.”
Dustin Leed via twitter: Leed thinks the Flyers will be able to re-sign Carle and will go after Ryan Suter, but in the end, won’t be able to sign him.
Aaron Portzline via twitter: The Blue Jackets pro scouting meetings started yesterday and will end tomorrow.
BD Gallof via twitter: Though there is little chance he’ll be drafted by the Islanders at #4, Mikhail Grigorenko visited the team.
Tony Marinaro via twitter: There’s a strong possibility that Martin Lapointe will be named a Canadiens assistant coach.
Puck Daddy Yahoo! Sports: Video and quote posted on Puck Daddy debunking the rumor that Brian Burke will be leaving the Maple Leafs after the draft.
“A couple of rumors that are out there in a big way. Rumor No. 1 is that at some point after the draft, Brian Burke is going to step down and take a leave of absence as general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs. There’s not a chance in the world Brian Burke is leaving his job with the Toronto Maple Leafs. The other rumor that’s out there, and it’s spreading like wildfire, is that Brian Burke may be fired by Maple Leaf Sports Entertainment either in the next 48 hours or after the draft. Our best information from MLSE is that there’s absolutely no appetite to make a general manager change at this time.”