Friedman’s 30 thoughts roundup …
Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet: Senators coach Dave Cameron and owner Eugene Melnyk have long history, but …
“Eugene Melnyk loves Dave Cameron,” one opposing NHL executive said Tuesday. “But business is business.”
Cameron on the Melnyk’s comments.
“That’s the owners’ prerogative,” Cameron told reporters. “He pays the bills, he’s the man who is putting the money on the line and he has the right to make changes…If he’s going to make changes, he’s going to make them.”
It’s sounding like Bryan Murray will remain the teams GM next season if his health permits it.
If the Senators fire Cameron, they’ll be hiring their seventh coach since 2007.
Friedman doesn’t know if Ryan Nugent-Hopkins time in Edmonton is done or not. Another injury could complicate if he stays or goes. Teams realize is value.
Friedman thinks only Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are the untouchables among their group of forwards.
If newly signed Canucks forward Anton Rodin doesn’t play in 80 games next year, he’ll become a Group VI unrestricted free agent.
There are rumors that Canucks goalie coach Roland Melanson could leave the team. Replacement options could be Alex Auld and Dan Cloutier.
The Flames will be looking for a winger that has an edge to his play.
College players that will get some interest who are playing the NCAA Tournament that gets underway this weekend: Drake Caggiula (Senators and Flyers have interest), Brandon Tanev (Bruins interested), Alex Lyon (several teams), Mikey Eyssimont, Trevor Moore, CJ Smith (Anaheim has been watching), and Zach Aston-Reese (plays with Kings associate John Steven’s two sons. Could attend the Oilers development camp if he’s not signed).
The Flames still haven’t signed Mark Jankowski, same with the Bruins and Rob O’Gara.
Accusations will fly if Jimmy Vesey signs with the Maple Leafs and not the Predators, but GM Lou Lamoriello probably won’t care.
The Maple Leafs are among the teams interested in goalie Mantas Armalis.
The Canadiens are among the teams interested in 28-year old Vadim Shipachev.
Vladimir Sobotka’s name will likely hit the rumor mill again.
Robin Lehner said he knows goalies who wear player pants under their goalie pants. There was a rumor that three goalies were caught for this, but it was denied to Friedman.
On the potential expansion draft next year, on confusion of sophomores like Conner McDavid, Jack Eichel, Willam Nylander, etc.
“Players who have only earned two years of pro service are second-year pros and are exempt.”
The 25 percent rule didn’t get enough talk according to some executives. If a teams spends to the $74 million cap ceiling, they’ll have to make $18.5 million in salary available for the draft. Could be difficult for some teams due to the no-movement clauses.
Any expansion team likely wouldn’t pick any higher that third in the amateur draft.
Scott Mellanby could be on the Las Vegas management team if they get a team.
Full two-minute power plays and disallowing icings was never discussed by all GMs.
The Panthers and Vincent Trocheck are believed to working a new deal. Deals for Aaron Ekblad and Reilly Smith could come this offseason.
