On the Los Angeles Kings …
Chris Nichols: Darren Dreger on NBCSN on the LA Kings and Drew Doughty: “hoping that they can have a deal in place, locked up to announce July 1, at least early July…”
Chris Nichols: Dreger continuing on Doughty: “think they’d be real fortunate to get him w/ something that says 11 million in front of it. So 11.5, 11.75, whatever it is. 12 million or less is going to be a bonus.”
On the New York Islanders …
Chris Nichols: Darren Dreger on the New York Islanders and John Tavares: “Tavares has earned the right to unrestricted free agency. And the longer this thing drifts into this regular season, July 1 gets closer; and many believe that he’s pushing towards fully investigating being a UFA.”
On the New Jersey Devils …
Chris Ryan of NJ.com: (mailbag) If the Devils remain in the playoff race by the trade deadline, would expect them to look to add. Likely not a big move like the Sami Vatanen–Adam Henrique deal, but a smaller trade or two.
Don’t expect them to add a second line center or winger, though that can always change between now and the deadline.
Can’t see the Devils making a serious run at Ottawa Senators defenseman Erik Karlsson. The Devils are unlikely to want to give up all the assets it would take to get for a potential 14-month rental.
The Devils could look to add some depth to their blue line before the deadline.
Defenseman John Moore is a pending unrestricted free agent and will likely be looking for a raise from his $1.667 million average salary. Any serious contract talks likely won’t happen until after the season. The Devils will have plenty of salary cap space next season, so if they want to bring him back, it shouldn’t be a problem fitting in his salary.
