Datsyuk not entertaining an NHL return at this time
Bob McKenzie: There had been some chatter that Pavel Datsyuk may have an interest in returning to the NHL next season.
From agent Dan Milstein: “Every year we sit down and talk about options but (returning to the) NHL isn’t something he has entertained.”
Bob McKenzie: Datsyuk’s rights are currently owned by the Arizona Coyotes. He would become an unrestricted free agent on July 1st.
Potential trade options for the Maple Leafs
Craig Button of TSN: The Toronto Maple Leafs are Stanley Cup contenders and they have $6 million in salary cap space.
Defense usually comes up as an area the Maple Leafs will look to improve on.
Three potential defensemen the Maple Leafs could have an interest in and could be available:
Alex Edler – Big shot on the power play and plays big minutes.
Niklas Kronwall – Coach Mike Babcock is familiar with him and he’s won a Cup.
Ben Lovejoy – A right-handed defenseman who has won a Cup as well.
If the Maple Leafs are looking to add a ‘heavier’ forward:
Wayne Simmonds – Pending UFA who can play on the power play and plays a heavy game.
Micheal Ferland – Can provide some offense and can create space for teammates.
Trevor Lewis – Won two Cups with the Kings and can move up and down the lineup. Has a year left at $2 million.
Namestnikov’s trade value is increasing … The Rangers should hold onto Hayes unless…
Brett Cyrgalis of the NY Post: New York Rangers forward Vladimir Namestnikov’s improved play has been raising his trade value.
Larry Brooks of the NY Post: The Rangers shouldn’t trade pending UFA forward Kevin Hayes unless his asking price for an extension is unrealistic or if a team offers them a future first-pairing right-handed defenseman.
An example being Colorado Avalanche prospect Cale Makar.
Brooks adds: “I don’t care whether the team is ready to contend in two years or four. This building process will not be aided by trading the center who has been the team’s best player for the past two years. All teams — even, or perhaps especially, ones in the Rangers’ position — need linchpins.”
