On the Chicago Blackhawks …
Mark Lazerus: Blackhawks forward Artem Anisimov has to submit a list of 10 teams that he’d accept a trade to by July 1st. Submitting the list doesn’t mean that he’ll be traded. Anisimov’s agent Todd Diamond: “I do not believe Stan wants to trade Artem, but he might do so if it is in the long-term interests of the Hawks.”
On the Toronto Maple Leafs …
Chris Johnston: The Maple Leafs retain Miro Aaltonen rights after qualifying him (he’s heading back to the KHL next season). Aaltonen did say that he is open to the idea of returning to North America down the line.
On the St. Louis Blues …
Luke Schanke of ESPN 101 Sports: Jeremy Rutherford of the Athletic was told several days ago that John Tavares had no interest in playing there despite good friend Alex Pietrangelo and winger Vladimir Tarasenko.
“A lot of people feel like he’s going through the motions talking to these other teams just to make sure he gets the best deal with the New York Islanders…Blues fans, even though they’re upset right now, it might not be a big deal when he re-signs with the Islanders.”
The Blues could turn to the Buffalo Sabres and Ryan O’Reilly, but he carries a $7.5 million salary cap hit for another five years. O’Reilly is due a $7.5 million signing bonus on July 1st. It’s not known what the Sabres would want for O’Reilly.
“On the wing, Jeff Skinner from Carolina looks to be on the move from the Hurricanes,” JR added. “However, he has a no-movement clause and he can kind of dictate where he goes and there’s been some rumors the past 24 hours that he might be turning some trades down and we don’t know if the Blues are one of those teams.”
Eight teams have contacted pending UFA goalie Carter Hutton. Ruther said he spoke with Hutton’s reps who think his time with the Blues is over. The Blues may go with Ville Husso as a backup despite him having no NHL experience.
