Columbus Blue Jackets remaining UFAs
Aaron Portzline of the Athletic: The Columbus Blue Jackets may be hoping to re-sign defenseman Erik Gudbranson, but it’s not known for sure if it will happen or not. There had been reports that he would not return, but both agent Pat Morris and Blue Jackets manager Don Waddell said those discussions did not take place.
The Blue Jackets have pending UFAs in Mason Marchment, Boone Jenner and Gudbranson. (Charlie Coyle re-signed on Tuesday for six years)
It wouldn’t be a surprise if pending UFA goalkeeper Ivan Fedotov doesn’t return next season. He has no interest in playing in the AHL, and if he can’t land an NHL contract somewhere, he could return to the KHL.
Carolina Hurricanes’ 8-0 Playoff Start Sets Tone for Cup Push
A long list of offseason highlights for the Toronto Maple Leafs
Jonas Siegel of The Athletic: Toronto Maple Leafs highlights of this offseason, in no order.
1. Win Auston Matthews – They need to convince him that they can change him and that he should stay. If they don’t care about him, they should trade him. Re-install the tool and go to rebuild.
2. They will do well with the first pick, but need to hit on their other picks.
3. Find a second line agency – You may need to look into a trade route. The highest upside and the biggest risk would be Vancouver Canucks Elias Pettersson. He is 27 years old but has yet to produce at a high level after signing his long-term contract. Six years left at $11.6 million. What would the costs be?
The New York Rangers Vincent Trocheck has three years remaining at $5.6 million but may be out of stock. They may try to re-acquire Ryan O’Reilly, who has one year remaining at $4.5 million. Maybe they could seriously try William Nylander at center.
NHL Rumors: Philadelphia Flyers, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Toronto Maple Leafs
4. Trade defensemen – The Leafs are looking to rebuild their blue line, and most are under contract. Troy Stecher is a UFA. Brandon Carlo, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Simon Benoit and Morgan Rielly are likely to go. Carlo has a net worth of $3.48 million and eight no-trades. OEL has two years left at $3.5 million. Rielly has four years at $7.5 million plus a no-movement clause. Will they pressure Rielly, and will she agree to leave?
5. Put defenders in – It’s not easy to find a number 1. Would Roman Josi want to continue? He has two years left at $9 million and will be 36 next month. Is he too old, and how high is the cost? Would the Blue Jackets consider moving Zach Werenski, and did the Leafs have the pieces? Dougie Hamilton has two years at $9 million, it’s not number 1, but it might be worth it if the cost is low.
Rasmus Andersson and Darren Raddysh are top free agents. They’re both turning 30, likely overpaid, and not the No. 1 but they will be in Toronto. They need at least one puck mover and/or ‘veteran chippy’ in the bottom half.
6. More speed and defensive skills in their forward mix – Chayka needs to get two or three quick middle six forwards who can play both sides of the puck. Will they bring back UFA Ilya Mikheyev? They should look to move Dakota Joshua and Max Domi, but can Chayka really move Domi?
7. Pick a lane in net – They have three goaltenders under contract and one will need to be moved – Anthony Stolarz, Joseph Woll and Dennis Hildeby.
NHL News: Toronto Maple Leafs Move on from Craig Berube
8. Find future RFAs – Matias Maccelli and Nick Robertson are players of similar age. Chayka designed the Maccelli frame. Both could also be allowed to leave, some of which depends on whether Berube returns.
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