On the Buffalo Sabres …
Mark Divver: Source saying that a Sabres contingent of Tim Murray, Dan Bylsma and Jerry Forton met with Jimmy Vesey and his representatives for two-plus hours in Boston yesterday.
On the Detroit Red Wings …
Chris Nichols: Red Wings GM Ken on Holland on SiriusXMNHL on Steven Stamkos: “We did not do the interview process. We never talked to him or his camp. That’s about all I can say.”
On the St. Louis Blues …
Lou Korac: Blues 2014 4th round pick, goaltender Ville Husso is planning on heading to North America this season.
On the New York Rangers …
Larry Brooks of the NY Post: Kyle Palmieri‘s five year, $4.65 million cap hit is an intriguing comparable for Rangers RFA Chris Kreider.
Palmieri is more consistent than Kreider, though Kreider has a higher ceiling than Palmieri, but also a lower floor.
Would Kreider accept the same deal that Palmieri signed? If no, then the chances are:
A) The Rangers and Kreider would go one year, preferably by a negotiated agreement but possibly through an arbitration hearing that would result in a smaller number (think in the $4.25 million neighborhood) and allow the parties to reassess after the season; or
B) Kreider will be traded sooner rather than later, which neither side wants as the final outcome.
On the Columbus Blue Jackets …
Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: (mailbag) The Blue Jackets are still trying to add a No. 1 center, but it gets harder with each passing day.
There is no talk about the Blue Jackets bringing back Rene Bourque. Portzline would be surprised if he received a one-way contract from anyone and he could end up overseas.
Hard to say exactly why Scott Hartnell‘s name keeps coming up in trade talks. It could be that he’s 34-years old and with his rugged style of play and decreasing skating, and they may be looking to move him while he’s still somewhat productive. The Blue Jackets also want to play a fast style, which isn’t a fit for him.
They may have been some trade talk involving Sergei Bobrovsky around the draft, but source saying that Bobrovski wasn’t asked to waive his no-movement clause.
