- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: The Blackhawks are still talking to Kevin Hayes about a contract, but if he’s not signed by August 15th, he’ll become UFA. The Rangers will be just one of the teams that will be interested in signing him if he becomes available.
The Rangers continue talks with RFAs Chris Kreider, Mats Zuccarello and Derick Brassard.
Kreider has a July 23rd arbitration hearing and could get a deal in the $2.1 to $2.3 million range.
Zuccarello has a July 25th hearing and could get a deal in the $3.7 to $4 million range. He is thought to be looking for at least $4.5 million a season.
Brassard has a July 28th hearing and will likely get between $4.5 and $4.7 million. He’s been looking for a long-term deal in the $5.5 million range.
- Joe Haggerty of CSNNE: The Bruins have some cap issues this season, and will have some contract decisions to make for their 2015-16 roster as well. David Krejci will be a UFA and will looking for a nice long-term contract. Johnny Boychuk could ask for Brooks Orpik money, five years and $25 million. Carl Soderberg will be looking for a raise from his $1 million deal.
“There is wanting to remain with a winning organization, and then there’s wanting to get them to the market. To me, there is a difference and they don’t always merge,” said Chiarelli. “They don’t always merge, people tend to think they have to merge but they don’t always merge. So we have guys coming up that we have to sign and we’re planning for it.
“ will go up, it’ll go up because is an upwards magnet. That’s not unexpected. When the cap is expected to rise, teams will continue to spend more money. It’s hard to delve into the completely free market because you saw some of deals. All it takes is one team to pay that money or term and you’re right there with them then. That’s why we’re trying to keep the guys we can keep, and we’re going to have to pay the money. It’s not going to be cheap.”
- Swiss Hockey News: Jonas Hiller suffered an appendicitis attack.
