On the Edmonton Oilers …
Bob Stauffer: From understanding, the Oilers had never pursued free agent Ilya Kovalchuk.
On the Buffalo Sabres …
John Vogl: There is “absolutely no truth” to the report that the Sabres had offered an assistant coaching position to Glen Gulutzan.
On the Carolina Hurricanes …
Chris Nichols of FRS Hockey: Bob McKenzie on TSN 1050 was talking about the Carolina Hurricanes and how pretty much everyone could available for trade.
“There’s one guy on the team that they’re not prepared to trade – Sebastian Aho,” indicated McKenzie. “Everybody else – everybody else – is available. Skinner, you name it… Skinner is getting moved, I would think…
“… Everybody except for Aho (is available). I think Faulk is very much in play, I think Skinner is very much in play.”
On the Pittsburgh Penguins …
Sam Werner of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Penguins defenseman Matt Hunwick didn’t have a great first season with the Penguins.
Hunwick is still under contract for another two years at a $2.25 million salary cap hit. That number is too high for the Penguins for a No. 7 defenseman.
If GM Jim Rutherford is able to find a team willing to take on the 32-year olds salary, it would be hard for him not to make the move.
As of last week, Hunwick hadn’t spoken with Rutherford.
“I don’t know if there’s any assurances for anyone in this day and age.”
Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: It may not be the worst business decision for the Penguins to consider trading the 31-year old Phil Kessel.
Carl Hagelin has one-year left on his deal and could be a trade candidate this offseason.
Forward Conor Sheary could become another trade option for the Penguins.
GM Rutherford has already said that Daniel Sprong will be a big part of their team next year.
Pending RFA Bryan Rust could get a long-term extension.
The Penguins lost three key veterans last offseason, and it wouldn’t surprise if they addressed this, this offseason.
