Scouting the Ottawa Senators and Detroit Red Wings
Murray Pam: Teams listed to attend last night’s Senators – Red Wings game include the Calgary Flames, Chicago Blackhawks, Colorado Avalanche, Columbus Blue Jackets, Dallas Stars, Los Angeles Kings, Minnesota Wild, Philadelphia Flyers, St. Louis Blues, Vegas Golden Knights, and the Washington Capitals.
Puljujarvi’s play only increasing trade value
Jason Gregor: If Jesse Puljujarvi continues to play like he has been in Finland, it’s only going to increase his trade value for the Edmonton Oilers. This is a good thing for them.
Maybe if his confidence continues to grow, he may want to return to Edmonton.
Jim Matheson: The Oilers should look at Arizona Coyotes center Christian Dvorak when having Puljujarvi talks with teams.
Senators want to be more competitive
TSN: It’s no question that the Ottawa Senators could use some help according to Darren Dreger. Yes, they are in a full rebuild, but they’d like to be a bit more competitive.
“They knew there were going to be some difficulties, that there were going to be growing pains. They need help, essentially, in all areas with the exception of maybe goaltending, where they have experience there. But, primarily, Pierre Dorian is looking for Vladdy Namestnikov 2.0. He got Namestnikov at a very affordable…even a bargain type of price.”
Predators and Josi talks hit a bit of snag … Josi looking for big money
TSN: Pierre LeBrun notes that contract talks between the Nashville Predators and pending unrestricted free agent defenseman Roman Josi have hit a bit of snag despite talks all offseason.
“Both sides, I think if you were to ask them, thought he’d be signed by camp and it hasn’t happened. But there was a meeting last week in Los Angeles when the Predators were there between GM David Poile and the agent Judd Moldaver. This is such a paramount negotiation for this franchise. I mean, this guy cannot go to market if you’re David Poile. But the reality is, I think his camp would like to see this guy be the third-highest paid defenceman in the National Hockey League. He’d be behind Erik Karlsson and Drew Doughty. Now, clearly, the Predators aren’t there.”