Jets miss Byfuglien and use of his cap space
Ken Wiebe of The Athletic: The Winnipeg Jets definitely miss not having Dustin Byfuglien on their blue line, as well as not have the ability to use his $7.6 million in salary cap space.
The Jets need to keep the salary space available if he’s going to return after recovering from his surgery.
“There’s cap challenges every day in the National Hockey League. Nothing has really changed with respect to how we have to operate on a daily basis,” said Cheveldayoff. “It’s something we’ve been challenged with and are managing daily.”
Coaching pending UFAs
Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic: There are three coaches that could be ‘free agents’ after this season.
Detroit Red Wings Jeff Blashill signed a two-year extension last season, but year two is an option.
Minnesota Wild coach Bruce Boudreau only has two years as a consultant after this season, no coaching contract.
Winnipeg Jets Paul Maurice is in the last year of his deal with no options.
San Jose Sharks GM Doug Wilson has never fired a coach in-season before in the 16 years he’s run a team. The Pete DeBoer lead Sharks are struggling.
Decision time nearing for the Oilers … Puljujarvi may be better off remaining in Finland for the season
Mark Spector of Sportsnet: The deadline for the Edmonton Oilers regarding what to do with Jesse Puljujarvi in a month away. Do they re-sign him and bring him back over this season, let him finish the year in Finland, or trade him?
“It was too fast, too soon (in the NHL). The process is ongoing. This is just the start,” said Hoffrén, the lead hockey writer for Ilta-Sanomat, one of two major dailies in Finland. “Let’s say there’s a trade. I don’t see how he could go to a different spot right now, and start all over again.
“He’s a big part of Karpat right now. He’s feeling it. Give him a chance to play with Team Finland, and just enjoy a solid, successful season here in Europe. Why make changes? Everything would be going back to Square 1.”
His GM, Harri Aho, for Karpat thinks he should remain with the team to build up his confidence – at the league level and in international play.