- Lyle Richardson (Spector’s Hockey) in Bleacher Report: Looking at the some offseason priorities for teams that were eliminated in Round 1.Detroit Red Wings – coaching situation and their starting goaltender. If they think that Petr Mrazek is their go-to guy, Jimmy Howard could be on the trade market.
Nashville Predators – could go after a top-four veteran defenseman through trade or free agency. They could also look for a top-six winger and a skilled checking forward.
New York Islanders – add to their blueline depth. They should have the cap space to add a second pairing defenseman. They have to re-sign Anders Lee, Brock Nelson and Thomas Hickey.
Ottawa Senators – could look to create some cap space to re-sign their free agents. Candidates to be traded or bought out include Robin Lehner, Chris Neil, Jared Cowen, Colin Greening and David Legwand.
Pittsburgh Penguins – find skilled wingers for Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. The Pens already have $57 million committed to 14 players. Chris Kunitz and Rob Scuderi could be bought out if they can’t trade them. Could use a young defenseman as trade bait to bring in a scorer.
St. Louis Blues – could look at a coaching change and breaking up some of their core. T.J. Oshie, David Backes, Alexander Steen and Patrik Berglund could be traded.
Vancouver Canucks – improving their blueline. Though they have no-trade clauses, the Canucks could look to move 33-year old Kevin Bieksa or 32-year old Dan Hamhuis. They could look to get younger.
Winnipeg Jets – could look to sign Andrew Ladd and Dustin Byfuglien to contract extensions. Need to re-sign Drew Stafford and Lee Stempniak.
- Platinum Seat Ghosts: Bob McKenzie mentioned on TSN 1050 that the Blackhawks will definitely trade Patrick Sharp his offseason.
- News 1130 Sports: (May 4th) The agent for Canucks Brad Richardson and Jordan Subban said there have been no further contract talks, but added: “I assume talks will pick up again in the next week or so.”
- Richard Labbe: The Canadiens were trying to add some more offense before the trade deadline. GM Marc Bergevin tried to trade for Antoine Vermette and Jaromir Jagr, but obviously couldn’t get a deal done.
- Dustin Nielson: An announcement regarding Matt O’Connor will likely happen this weekend.
- Dennis Bernstein: Paul Bissonnette could get a training camp invite from the Kings for next season.
