On Jeremy Morin …
Aivis Kalnins: Have also heard what some Russian outlets are reporting – Jeremy Morin looks to be signing with Yugra of the KHL.
On the Colorado Avalanche …
Aivis Kalnins: Expecting there to be a Nikita Zadorov decision made soon. It’s a bit of a surprise that a deal hasn’t been made yet. Zadorov still wants to play in the NHL.
Adrian Dater: Have heard that Nikita Zadorov is looking for $2.75 million to $3 million a season, with the Avalanche offering $2 million. They should be able to bridge the gap.
On the Tampa Bay Lightning …
Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times: (mailbag) The Lightning have eight defensemen if you include Mikhail Sergachev, so it’s possible that they could trade someone like Andrej Sustr before the start of the season.
thinks Sergachev has a really good chance of making the team. Victor Hedman, Anton Stralman and Braydon Coburn are mainstays, Dan Girardi was given money that suggests he plays in the top-six, Slater Koekkoek and Jake Dotchin were re-signed and need to play.
If Sergachev makes the team out of training camp, and GM Steve Yzerman knowing that carrying eight defensemen isn’t ideal, Sustr could be moved.
Have been told the Lightning are not interested in signing free agent winger Jaromir Jagr.
Brayden Point will likely be the teams third line center to start the season. He can play the wing but is best at center when he filled in for Steven Stamkos and Tyler Johnson.
If Sergachev is ready to make the team and contribute, the Lightning won’t be concerned with giving up a second round pick if he reaches 40 games.
thinks that Koekkoek is ready to stick with the team to start the season. He signed a one-year deal this offseason and would need to clear waivers if they want to send him to the AHL. He would likely get selected if they tried to get him through waivers, would likely try to trade him first if he’s not part of their plans.
