NHL Rumors: Vrbata, Flyers, Islanders and Tavares
John Tavares and Radim Vrbata
On Radim Vrbata

Craig Morgan: Free agent winger Radim Vrbata could still be a possibility for the Coyotes. Vrbata’s camp would like some clarity by July 1st and will be considering offers this week rather than waiting.

Pierre LeBrun: Will be interesting to were 20 goal scorer Radim Vrbata ends up. Hearing that five teams have shown real interest in him.

Pierre LeBrun: Once the top wingers sign – Alexander Radulov, Patrick Marleau and Justin Williams  – is Vrbata or Tomas Vanek the next best option?

On the Philadelphia Flyers …

Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Daily News: The Flyers are looking for a stop gap goaltender until Carter Hart, Felix Sandstrom or someone else is ready to be a No. 1 in a couple years.

They could re-sign Steve Mason or go cheaper and sign Keith Kinkaid or Mike Condon. Other options include Jonathan Bernier, Brian Elliott, or Antti Niemi.

Flyers GM Ron Hextall isn’t comfortable with Michal Neuvirth and Anthony Stolarz.

Hextall could try to trade for Golden Knights Calvin Pickard. Brian Elliott, Ryan Miller and Anders Nilsson could be another options.

On the New York Islanders …

Brian Compton: Islanders prospect Keiffer Bellows plans on playing with Portland of the WHL next year and then is aiming for the NHL in 2018-19.

Andy Graziano: Early indications are that John Tavares won’t sign on Saturday or Sunday, and the storylines will be unbearable.

Chris Nichols of FanRag Sports: Elliotte Friedman was on Sportsnet 590 and was talking about the New York Islanders and John Tavares who is eligible to sign a contract extension on Saturday.

“I don’t think he’s going to sign. I don’t think he signs July 1,” predicted Friedman. “I think the Islanders say, ‘We’re going to take our chances.’

“ …They’re going to take it into next year. That’s my guess as to what they’re going to do.

“Normally when a guy that good could be traded, you hear it. I have no sense that they are trading him at this time. I have every sense that they are telling people, ‘We’re going to keep him and eventually we’re going to sign him.’ “