Columbus Blue Jackets on Artemi Panarin, Sergei Bobrovsky, and Matt Duchene
Aaron Portzline of The Athletic: The questions never go away but Artemi Panarin and Sergei Bobrovsky. Even Matt Duchene wants $9.5 million to $10 million AAV to stay in Columbus. The inevitability of Bobrovsky and Panarin leaving expects to have a dramatic effect.
Remember, Seth Jones is a free agent in three years. Also, getting value for the two free agents to be is something Jarmo Kekalainen must do. The fire is about to become white hot.
Aaron Portzline of The Athletic: Again, this is the don’t blink part of the week. If all three players do ultimately leave, Columbus has over $30 million in cap space. The market will not be quite as good but talent can be assembled. Jarmo Kekalainen believes his prospect pool can be of help this season.
It is true several players are on the cusp of playing in the NHL but again the message sent is twofold. Columbus went for it but now the bill is due.
Is Torey Krug interest heating up?
Jimmy Murphy of Boston Hockey Now: The Boston Bruins listening on offers for Torey Krug but are not actively shopping the defenseman. That is the pulse right now.
Also, Detroit and Vancouver offered substantial package and at least a half dozen other teams have inquired. This is no Sergei Bobrovsky and Artemi Panarin situation at least.
Detroit is near Krug’s hometown and Vancouver’s management has ties to Don Sweeney so it makes some sense. Jim Benning signed Torey Krug in 2012 after all. Will Torey Krug sign an extension? Would he? These are all good questions.
To Marcus Johansson or not Marcus Johansson
Joe Haggerty of NBC Sports Boston: Marcus Johansson provided a spark in the playoffs which means he can cash in on a long-term deal. That money he commands could be used by Boston elsewhere to sign their existing restricted free agents.
Given Johansson’s injury history, any long-term contract carries a great deal of risk. Johansson appears more of a third line (or middle six) threat more than a bonafide top-six player.
Plus, Boston still has designs on trying to keep Torey Krug. The money seems to not be there for Johansson.