On Linden Vey …
Ryan Pike: From reports out of Kazakhstan, likely that Linden Vey is going to be signing with a KHL team.
Pat Steinberg: Sounding like Vey will be signing with Barys Astana.
Aivis Kalnins: There is nothing definitive yet with regards to Vey, but multiple outlets have reported it.
On the Florida Panthers …
Chuck Gormley: Hearing that the Panthers are waiting to interview Phil Housley for their vacant head coaching position. Ulf Samuelsson will be joining the Chicago Blackhawks as an assistant coach.
Harvey Fialkov: With the Nashville Predators going to the Stanley Cup Final, the Panthers will have to wait a bit longer to interview Housley.
On the Buffalo Sabres …
John Vogl of the Buffalo News: KHL free agent defenseman Viktor Antipin confirmed with Sport-Express that he will be signing with the Sabres.
“I am leaving for Buffalo on the 29th,” he said, according to Translate.Google.com. “It’s good that I had an opportunity to play in the NHL. And the team, where they will give a chance.”
On the Anaheim Ducks …
Craig Custance of ESPN: Looking at some offseason areas the Anaheim Ducks should focus on.
1. Trade Corey Perry – Perry is 31-years old, has four years left on his contract at a $8.625 million cap hit, had a down year and only four goals in the playoffs. Not an easy trade because he has a no-movement clause and a big salary.
2. Trade a young defenseman for a young forward – The Tampa Bay Lightning would appear to be a perfect trading partner for the Ducks. Being able to get Jonathan Drouin should be a priority, and they can afford to lose one of Josh Manson, Brandon Montour or Shea Theodore.
3. Sign Cam Fowler to a contract extension – Fowler has a year left on his deal at $4 million and it’s expected they can get an extension done shortly after July 1st. Unless Kevin Bieksa is willing to waive his no-movement clause, the Ducks would be forced to buy him out.
