NHL Rumors: 2018 Draft, Jets, Blue Jackets, Flyers, Senators and Islanders
John Tavares and Travis Hamonic
On the 2018 NHL Draft …

John Shannon: Indications are that the 2018 NHL draft will be held in Dallas. Source saying deal is not done.

On the Winnipeg Jets …

Frank Seravalli: When asked about their goaltending, Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff said he take a “good, hard look” at their option this week.

On the Columbus Blue Jackets …

Aaron Portzline: Blue Jackets prospect Vladislav Gavrikov finally has a U.S. visa and will arrive on Sunday. No update on a contract for him.

On the Philadelphia Flyers …

Dave Isaac: The Flyers are still having contract talks with Jordan Weal. They have agreed on term so it’s just down to the money.

Sam Carchidi: Hextall on trying to re-sign Weal: “He’s a FA. I can’t grab him by the throat” and make him re-sign. “He has choices.”

On the Ottawa Senators …

Darren Dreger: There is interest on Senators defenseman Dion Phaneuf from teams that are not on his accepted trade list. The Senators are talking to Phaneuf’s agency to see if he’s willing to be flexible.

John Shannon: Senators GM Pierre Dorion said he’d like to keep Phaneuf but admits that teams are calling him.

Bruce Garrioch: Dorion on Phaneuf: “I think you always have to explore all options … Teams have phoned. I’m not going to mislead you.”

On the New York Islanders …

Brian Compton: With the return from the Travis Hamonic trade, the Islanders aren’t done. The trade just took $4 million on their books.

Brett Cyrgalis: Islanders GM Garth Snow said he’s more inclined to trade assets this year in an attempt to improve this team

Brian Compton: GM Snow said that the acquired picks are now an assets to move at future drafts or to acquire another player in a trade.

Brett Cyrgalis: GM Snow on John Tavares: “We think the world of him. We want him to retire as an Islander.”