On the Chicago Blackhawks …
Jay Zawaski: Have been told that trading Marian Hossa‘s contract this offseason is a “priority” for the Blackhawks.
On the Dallas Stars …
Jim Matheson: The Stars 2017 first-round pick Miro Heiskanen is heading to North America next season, which could mean that the Stars could end up putting right-handed defenseman Julius Honka on the trade market.
On the Buffalo Sabres …
Paul Hamilton: They also don’t plan on making any changes to their coaching staff for next season.
On Ilya Kovalchuk, Milan Lucic, Carter Hutton, Philipp Grubauer, and John Carlson …
Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic: There are some teams that are interested in Ilya Kovalchuk that are also talking to the Carolina Hurricanes about Jeff Skinner. thinks the Los Angeles Kings and San Jose Sharks are in this group. It’s possible that Skinner won’t be traded by the Hurricanes until Kovalchuk makes up his mind.
Some sources are saying that the Edmonton Oilers are trying to make a ‘hockey deal’ involving Milan Lucic and not just trying to get rid of his contract. The Oilers believe that Lucic can bounce back after last season, which then opens up speculation that maybe Lucic wouldn’t mind a trade, which is something that nobody is confirming. The Montreal Canadiens are no longer interested Lucic.
Carter Hutton could be the top pending free agent goalie. The Blues would like to re-sign him, but he’ll likely see what is out there.
The New York Islanders and Carolina Hurricanes have interest in Washington Capitals goaltender Philipp Grubauer. The team who doesn’t trade for Grubauer could turn to the Hutton. The Buffalo Sabres could be an option as well. The Boston Bruins could be looking for backup goaltender if they don’t re-sign Anton Khudobin. The Chicago Blackhawks could be looking for Corey Crawford insurance.
Is John Carlson now in the eight years, $8 million per season range after Oliver Ekman-Larsson help set the market?
