Flyers could hold onto Simmonds
TSN: Pierre LeBrun said that it’s possible that the Philadelphia Flyers don’t trade pending free agent Wayne Simmonds. The Flyers had been only a couple points out of the playoffs, it wouldn’t have been easy decision to make.
“I think it’s more likely than not still that Wayne Simmonds is dealt to a contender but keep that in mind, that signing him, keeping him as an own rental are also secondary options behind obviously moving him.”
Maple Leafs and Kapanen’s agent to speak next week
TSN: Darren Dreger said that the Toronto Maple Leafs and the agent for pending restricted free agent Kasperi Kapanen are expected to hold exploratory talks next week.
“Talk about the possibility of a multi-year extension, what about a bridge deal if the player is even remotely interested in that. Just kind of get that dialogue going. What I know is that teams are curious on the trade front and the Toronto Maple Leafs because of cap implications know that Kasperi Kapanen could be also an offer sheet threat if it gets to that point in the summer.”
Ceci back in the rumor mill
Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Ottawa Senators restricted free agent defenseman Cody Ceci has found his name back in the rumor mill and it’s not a surprise to him.
“It’s not the first time my name’s has been in the (trade) rumbles,” Ceci told Postmedia before the Senators faced off against the Carolina Hurricanes at Canadian Tire Centre on Tuesday night. “It’s just what happens when your team is at the bottom of the standings.
“It’s all part of the business. I mean, if you’re not doing well, they’ll try to move pieces to get younger and younger, so that’s just part of it.”
The Senators aren’t shopping Ceci, but teams will be calling. He’s been playing a shutdown roll this season and averaging over 22 minutes a game.
“It’s completely out of my control at this point, so it’s just whatever the team wants to do moving forward with me,” Ceci said. “Our lot of top guys are the (names being speculated) on TV, so it’s tough to see. It’s just the position that we’re in right now.”
