The Lightning could still use a right-handed defenseman
Joe Smith of The Athletic: (mailbag) Things have gone quiet lately with regards to Erik Karlsson trade talk with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Despite some reports earlier this month, a deal with the Ottawa Senators and Lightning wasn’t close from what was told. The Lightning will continue to monitor the situation.
The Lightning should continue to monitor the free agent and trade market for right-handed defensemen. Winnipeg Jets Jacob Trouba is one defenseman they should keep their eye on. Justin Faulk and Chris Tanev are two others to watch.
The Flyers have several key players entering the final year of their contracts
Dave Isaac of the Courier-Post: Forward Wayne Simmonds is entering the final year of his deal, and though they want to keep him, the prices for 30-goal scorers is rising and they may not be able to keep him.
“Whether we can or not, I don’t have the answer to that,” Hextall said. “Long-term, we’ll find out in the future whether we get something done before training camp or going into the year. I don’t have the answer to that.”
Don’t expect Flyers GM Ron Hextall to lose Simmonds for nothing. If they were to move him, expect it to be around the trade deadline.
Dave Isaac of the Courier-Post: The Philadelphia Flyers and restricted free agent defenseman Robert Hagg are expected to get a two-year contract done soon. When that deal is done, it will likely be the last player the Flyers sign before the start of training camp. Hagg should start the season on their third pairing.
Ivan Provorov and Travis Konecny are entering the final seasons of their entry-level deals.
“Certainly we’ve talked about it internally,” Hextall said of taking care of Provorov and Travis Konecny, who is also in the last year of his entry-level deal. “We’ll continue to talk about it and evaluate it and see where it goes. When a guy’s a year out there’s no rush. If we can start talking and get something done…if you can’t it’s not a huge deal. You still control the player.”
