Scouting the Calgary Flames and Boston Bruins
Ryan Pike: Scouts listed to attend last night’s Flames-Bruins game: Vegas Golden Knights, Buffalo Sabres, Colorado Avalanche, Toronto Maple Leafs, Edmonton Oilers, Montreal Canadiens, Chicago Blackhawks, Los Angeles Kings, Dallas Stars, Detroit Red Wings, New York Islanders and the Philadelphia Flyers.
Friedman on the Maple Leafs, Red Wings, Penguins, and Hurricanes
Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet: believes there has been some contract talk between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Auston Matthews camp about a five-year extension, which would take him one year into free agency. An eight-year contract would likely come in between $12 and $12.5 million per season.
The Maple Leafs and William Nylander‘s camp have talked about a bridge deal in the $4.8 and $6 million range. Nylander’s camp is worried that the Leafs could eventually trade him if they have salary cap troubles.
Detroit Red Wings GM Ken Holland doesn’t think the head coach Jeff Blashill should be made a scapegoat.
Pittsburgh Penguins GM Jim Rutherford likes to make trades early as opposed to waiting. The Penguins may not be that confident with Olli Maatta, coupled with Justin Schultz‘s injury, and they may be in the market for a defenseman.
The Carolina Hurricanes are dressing four right-handed, something teams covet. Scott Darling should be returning soon. If they don’t want to keep three goaltenders, they’ll have to trade one or put somone on waivers. Likely one of Curtis McElhinney or Petr Mrazek. The Maple Leafs may target a goalie.
Rinne and the Predators have held preliminary talks
Chris Nichols of Nichols on Hockey: Bob McKenzie was on NBCSN last night and was talking about pending unrestricted free agent goaltender Pekka Rinne. Preliminary talks on a contract extension have begun.
“He’s interested in staying, they want to have him, and there have been some very preliminary discussions between general manager David Poile of the Nashville Predators and agent Jay Grossman, who represents Pekka Rinne,” indicated McKenzie. “… The process is just beginning, but the expectation is they will try to work something out.”
