On the Carolina Hurricanes …
Michael Smith of NHL.com: The Hurricanes have 10 picks in the draft, six in the top 73. GM Ron Francis has told his scouting staff that he is open to moving some picks for assets.
“To be honest with you, I’m hoping we don’t use all 10 when it comes to the draft,” Francis told the room. “We have had contact with other teams and told them we are willing to make some deals and give up some of the picks to get players.”
On Kevin Shattenkirk, Dallas Stars, New York Rangers and the Vegas Golden Knights …
Chris Nichols of FanRag Sports: Elliotte Friedman on the NHL Network and was talking about Washington Capitals free agent defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk. Friedman thinks that there was a point where the Capitals may have been hoping that they would be able to keep him.
“That when they acquired him that they would look at him and he might look at them and say does he want to stay. I think that’s extremely unlikely right now. As you heard Brian MacLellan say at his end-of-season media briefing, they’re going to focus on their RFAs and then they’re going to take a look at T.J. Oshie if the cap does go up to about 77. So I think Shattenkirk is out.
“I think he kind of knows what the market is going to be. The teams I kind of wonder about – I wonder about Dallas. We all know they’re looking for a D. Do they think that he’s the kind of guy.
“We’ve all heard the rumors about the Rangers. I’m really curious to see about the Rangers’ direction this summer. I think there’s a chance they could just decide to go young.
Friedman wonders if the Vegas Golden Knights would be interested. They will get an early chance to talk to him before any other teams – June 18th to 21st.
