On the Toronto Maple Leafs, New York Islanders, Carolina Hurricanes, Los Angeles Kings, Vancouver Canucks and Minnesota Wild …
Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet: Toronto Maple Leafs GM Lou Lamoriello’s contract is up but it does come with the option of two extra years to remain with the team in an advisory role. Lamoriello could remain as the GM as well. The Leafs blocked assistant GM Kyle Dubas from talking with the Avalanche last offseason.
The Maple Leafs have six UFAs so there will some roster movement. Kasperi Kapanen will have an NHL job and Andreas Johnson will be given the opportunity. It’s hard to see how James van Riemsdyk can stay.
The Leafs kicked tires on Ryan McDonagh and Chris Tanev at the trade deadline but belief is they weren’t close on a deal. If Russian defenseman Igor Ozhiganov decides to test the NHL, he’s made a commitment. Travis Dermott has more time but their blue line search could go deeper.
wonders if the New York Islanders would ask the Leafs permission to speak with Lou Lamoriello. Lou’s son Chris works for the Islanders.
Though don’t think it will happen, Dean Lombardi has been rumored to be in consideration for the Islanders.
Likely that Rob Brind’Amour or Mike Vellucci will be coaching the Carolina Hurricanes next season. Sabres assistant GM Steve Greeley has spoken with Tom Dundon, and they may have contacted Rick Dudley, though not sure about what type of role.
The Hurricanes need some edge and it appears they will test the trade value of Jeff Skinner, who is a year away from free agency. The Los Angeles Kings could be interested.
The Vancouver Canucks are one of the teams looking at 26-year old Swedish center Par Lindholm.
The New Jersey Devils are expected to sign Russian defenseman Egor Yakovlev.
The Arizona Coyotes are linked to Ilya Lyubushkin.
Alexander Yelesin may have an agreement with a team, though isn’t sure with whom.
Paul Fenton appears to be the favorite for the Minnesota Wild’s GM position and was in Minnesota on Wednesday. Expect Tom Fitzerald to get an interview.
The Wild had looked at trading Charlie Coyle and Nino Niederreiter during the season and there was interest.
