Rumors and Notes: Roy, Canadiens, Avs and College Free Agents
Speculation between the Montreal Canadiens and Patrick Roy surfaces with Therrien on the hot seat
On Patrick Roy …

Stu Cowan of the Montreal Gazette: There was already heat on Montreal Canadiens head coach Michel Therrien, and it will likely only get hotter after Patrick Roy resigned from the Colorado Avalanche. Therrien is likely on a short leash with the Canadiens after missing the playoffs last year.

Cowan though would be very surprised if the Canadiens brought Roy back while Marc Bergevin was the GM. They just traded away a big personality in P.K. Subban and can’t see them wanting to bring in another.

On the Colorado Avalanche …

Terry Frei of the Denver Post: Since being fired by the Avalanche, Bob Hartley coached in Atlanta and most recently in Calgary. He was the coach of the year in 2015 with the Flames. He declined to comment when contacted yesterday.

Bill Daly, the NHL’s deputy commissioner, confirmed yesterday that the Avalanche would need to permission to speak withing anyone still under contract. That would include Hartley who has a year left on his contract.

Other options who are still under contract include Kevin Dineen and Mike Kitchen.

The Avs began the process of finding a new head coach yesterday.

Jared Clinton of The Hockey News: The Avs coaching search is beginning immediately. Here are some names to watch: Eric Veilleux (Avs AHL coach in San Antonio), Travis Green (Utica of the AHL), Paul MacLean (Anaheim’s assistant coach), Kevin Dineen (Chicago’s assistant coach) and Bob Hartley (currently not working)

Potential college free agents on August 15th …

Cap Friendly: A look at the college players who were drafted by a NHL team and have not been signed to an entry level contract. They would become a free agent if not signed by the 15th.

Jimmy Vesey (BUF)
John Draeger (MIN)
Ben Gallacher (FLA)
Thomas DiPauli (WSH)
Jimmy Mullin (TB)
Brian Cooper (ANA)
Tony Camernesi (TOR)
Eddie Wittchow (FLA)
Tanner Lane (WPG)
Quentin Shore (OTT)
Hunter Fejes (ARI)
Matthew Deblouw (CGY)
Colin Blackwell (SJ)
John Gilmour (CGY)
Matthew Beattie (VAN)