Maple Leafs and Nylander looking at a short-term deal
Emily Sadler of Sportsnet: Chris Johnston believes that Toronto Maple Leafs GM Kyle Dubas traveling to Switzerland to meet with William Nylander has now put the ball in Nylander court on what he wants to do.
Johnston doesn’t think they’re at the point of ‘trade talk’ but it could be a possibility in the future if they continue to be at a contract impasse.
“They’re looking basically at a short-term deal now, if he’ll sign one of those,” explained Johnston. “And if not, it will get to the point, guys, where I think we’re looking at a trade here. But it’s not there right now, and that was part of the message: ‘We want to keep you, William. What’s it going to take to stay?’”
Nick Kypreos wonders if we’ll start hearing about possible contract talks with some teams in the KHL as he may be looking to recoup some lost moneys.
Predators won’t move a defenseman unless it’s an awesome deal
Chris Nichols of Nichols on Hockey: Elliotte Friedman was on Sportsnet 960 and was asked if the Nashville Predators could look at trading a defenseman for some help on the wing. Predators GM David Poile definitely isn’t afraid to make a big trade if he thinks it will help his team.
Friedman adds that the Predators are trying to win a Cup and won’t do anything to diminish their chances. They don’t have to trade a defenseman.
“Their next big contract that they’ve got to get done on the blueline is Josi. He’s eligible for an extension on July 1, and it doesn’t take effect for another two years. So as far as I’m concerned, that’s your countdown clock. If you have to move someone on the blueline, you can do it in a year, you can do it in two years, you can do it that way.
“But I don’t think they do anything that takes away their chance to win the Stanley Cup this year. So if you’re telling me they’re going to move one of those blueliners, they’re doing it for something that’s going to be awesome.”
