Saturday Morning Hockey Thoughts
from Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet,
- During his end-of-season media availability on Friday, Montreal Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin said, “I have one more year under contract, and I will honour that.” He added the last 16 months were "tough on me. Mentally, it was very difficult.” Prior to the end of the regular season, there was plenty of reason to believe owner Geoff Molson was firmly in Bergevin’s corner and had offered the GM an extension. But one source warned to be careful. He said Bergevin was burnt out and may not want to return.
At the very least, today’s comments are some confirmation of that. Staying another season gives everyone time to breathe, but it’s not like the white-hot spotlight of Montreal is going to decrease. I do wonder if Bergevin and Molson discuss a new front office structure, where Bergevin moves up to a President of Hockey Operations-type role and either Scott Mellanby or Martin Lapointe becomes GM.
- I also believe the Oilers have begun talking to Darnell Nurse about an extension. He’s eligible this summer, with one more season before unrestricted free agency. In goal, it sounds like they are juggling multiple balls, from Mike Smith to someone younger.
- Calgary has begun extension discussion with Johnny Gaudreau. This is purely my guess, but Flames probably have to jump over Matthew Tkachuk’s $7 million per season. He’s at $6.75 million now.
- Don’t know if it still works, but Toronto liked Tyler Bertuzzi this season — moving elsewhere when it became obvious he wasn’t going to be healthy. Barring a major change, Zach Hyman won’t be back with the Maple Leafs, a big loss for them. It’s expected Detroit will be among his pursuers, although the Red Wings won’t be the only ones.
- There were rumours Jack Eichel backed away from the disc replacement surgery and would consider a fusion instead, but several sources refuted that. Not true. There was a time I thought a trade might happen sooner rather than later, but after the expansion draft looks more likely. Who’s in there? My guess is Anaheim, Calgary, Minnesota and Vegas, with Boston, the Rangers and possibly Los Angeles on the periphery.
Tough to read the Kings on this one. The Sabres are looking for youth. High-level prospects and picks. The complicating part is Buffalo’s been very careful with Eichel’s medical records. They want to make sure trading partners are serious before allowing access. That’s a little different than St. Louis, which has indicated it will make Vladimir Tarasenko’s available.
- Tarasenko and the Blues will do everything possible to facilitate a move. He asked for a trade, but the organization also recognizes it is time. This one will be very challenging due to the shoulder injuries and the fact his actual cash is $9.5 million next season.
more Thoughts......
Want the trending hockey news in your inbox daily?.
Just add your email, and we'll start sending you the most important hockey news of the day.
