NHL Rumors: Canadiens, Oilers, Predators and Lightning
The Tampa Bay Lightning appear to have a deal in place with Vegas to protect at least Jake Dotchin
On the Montreal Canadiens …

Renaud Lavoie: Carey Price said he needs to respect the process when it comes to contract negotiations. He may not have an extension in place on July 1st.

On the Edmonton Oilers …

Frank Seravalli: Oilers GM Peter Chiarelli wouldn’t comment on how contract extension talks are going with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.

On the Nashville Predators …

Frank Seravalli: Predators GM David Poile said he spoke with Vegas GM George McPhee every day for almost a week. Wouldn’t say more and a deal seems unlikely.

Nick Cotsonika: GM Poile yesterday on James Neal: “I just don’t think it serves me any good now, because as far as you know, I might still be negotiating with George McPhee.”

Brooks Bratten: GM Poile said depending on how the expansion draft plays out, on what happens with free agent Mike Fisher, etc, they could be in the market for forwards.

Brooks Bratten: GM Poile: “Looking at it in my mind, I probably will be looking to maybe get two forwards in the offseason, possibly.”

On the Tampa Bay Lightning and Vegas Golden Knights …

Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times: The Lightning may have a deal in place with Vegas to not select one or more of their young defensemen. Lightning GM Steve Yzerman wouldn’t confirm or deny.

“It’s not something I’d share publicly at this time,” Yzerman told the Times.

Both Slater Koekkoek and Jake Dotchin were left unprotected and it makes sense if they wanted to keep both.

The Lightning could include a defenseman like Jason Garrison or Andrej Sustr and a prospect. The Lightning have some young prospect forwards and two second round picks.

Bob McKenzie: Don’t have specific knowledge of the deal but have suspected the Lightning and Golden Knights have had a deal.

James Mirtle: Rumors are the Lightning are looking to move some salary to Vegas. Will it be another high draft pick for Vegas?