31 Thoughts rumor roundup
Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet: Don’t believe the Winnipeg Jets and Dustin Byfuglien would get so far as a settlement/contract termination. The Jets wouldn’t want to lose him for nothing in free agency.
The San Jose Sharks don’t have the depth that once had. They brought back Patrick Marleau but they may need to add more.
Anze Kopitar and Drew Doughty, as well as their young prospects, are not going anywhere. Many of the other veterans could be on the move. Kyle Clifford is a pending free agent and it doesn’t sound like there have been a lot of extension talks yet. Sounds like the Kings would need a solid offer to trade him though.
Senators GM Pierre Dorion had some days off so he went to Los Angeles and Nashville. The Predators are looking to move forward, and former Senator, Kyle Turris but has been told that it’s not happing.
The Senators are looking at Russian free agents, something they haven’t done in the past.
Teams are watching Jesse Puljujarvi and Konstantin Okulov at the Karjala Cup this week.
Puljujarvi’s agent Markus Lehto was asked if he’d consider returning to Edmonton now that things are a little calmer there now.
“Jesse’s unwillingness to return has nothing to do with current coaches, management, the team, fans or the city,” Lehto wrote. “Like I have said multiple times, Jesse has just asked for a change of scenery and to get a fresh start somewhere else. Nothing wrong with that considering the past three seasons. It is very difficult for me to see that he would return there all of a sudden now…. If things don’t work out now with the right team and best possible fit, there is nothing wrong (with playing) the whole season in Europe.”
Chris Johnston has reported that the New York Rangers are one of the teams that would be interested in Puljujarvi.
The Montreal Canadiens are believed to be the front-runner for Okulov, but it wouldn’t be a surprise of the Oilers were interested.
The Arizona Coyotes have been watching Russian winger Alexander Barabanov.
Taylor Hall‘s camp will meet with New Jersey Devils GM Ray Shero when they are out west.
Believe that the Colorado Avalanche will go ‘big-game hunting.’ They got lots of assets to do so.
Teams think that the Vegas Golden Knights been to become more mobile on their blue line.
Teams have been checking in with the Toronto Maple Leafs are wanting to move a big salary now that they are almost all healthy. They want to give their full roster a shot. They could play with 20 or 21 players, so expects waivers and trades for two or three.