On the Florida Panthers …
Harvey Fialkov: The Panthers get trade inquiries on defenseman Dmitry Kulikov all the time. The Panthers don’t have him on the trade block.
On the San Jose Sharks …
Kevin Kurz of CSN Bay Area: There is a good chance that none of the Sharks four UFAs return next season – Roman Polak, Dainius Zubrus, Nick Spaling and James Reimer.
Sharks GM Doug Wilson has touched base with their RFAs, which includes Tomas Hertl, Matt Nieto and Dylan DeMelo.
The Sharks may have to look for a backup goalie as they may not have one already in their system.
“We want to make sure our own young players are given the chance. … In all positions, we feel we have guys that can compete, whether it Armalis and Dell at the goaltending position. We also will have the ability to explore what else is out there,” Wilson said.
Brent Burns will be entering the final season of his deal and could be on Wilson’s agenda.
“You know how we feel about Brent. Phenomenal year,” Wilson said. “When we acquired him it was a big piece to acquire. There’s no doubt he’s important to us. We want him. I think he loves being here. Those conversations will take place shortly.”
Wilson reiterates how important Patrick Marleau is to the Sharks when asked how difficult it might be to trade him.
On the Edmonton Oilers …
Chris Nichols of Today’s Slapshot: Darren Dreger on TSN 1050 on what he thinks will be one of the biggest stories this week leading up to the draft.
“But I’ll tell you this – for me, one of the biggest stories heading into this week is picks 3,4, and 5. That is Columbus, Edmonton, and Vancouver.
“We know what the Edmonton Oilers are trying to do. They’re trying to rebuild their blueline. Well, what are you going to move to make that happen. 4th pick overall we know to be in play. So what about Taylor Hall. Lots of rumblings around the National Hockey League. ‘Maybe this is the time the Oilers change the culture of their club and Hall really is a target that they’d consider moving.’
“So that’s a story that if that’s fact (laughs) and Peter Chiarelli, the general manager, is willing to consider that option – I’d like to hear what the return would be to have to consider trading Taylor Hall, but if that’s legit, we’ll follow that story pretty closely.”
