Quick hits on the Devils, Canadiens, and Islanders
Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic: Believe that the New Jersey Devils and Nico Hischier will eventually get an extension done. The sides have had some preliminary talks about what a deal could look like. Salary and term in the new cap landscape would likely be the only issues.
The Montreal Canadiens may be paying attention to how the Devils-Hischier talks go, as he’d be a good fit behind Nick Suzuki.
Nothing has changed between Anders Lee and the New York Islanders, and him likely going to free agency. GM Mathieu Darche hasn’t given up.
NHL Rumors: Nico Hischier’s Agent on a Contract Extension
Some areas of need for the Anaheim Ducks
Patrick Present of The Hockey News: The Anaheim Ducks took a step forward last season and are getting closer to being a team where impact players may be okay with joining. They still have areas they need to address, and some pending free agents that will need new deals over the next couple of seasons, but with cap space and some assets, they could be looking at making some big moves.
On the right side of their blue line, they are little thin with Drew Helleson, Ian Moore, and Tristan Luneau as their veterans are all pending UFAs – Jacob Trouba, John Carlson, and Radko Gudas. They are inexperienced on the left side – Jackson LaCombe (25), Pavel Mintyukov (22), and Olen Zellweger (22). They could use an defensive, top-pairing anchor partner for LaCombe.
A second-line center could be a need for the Ducks. Mason McTavish didn’t have a great season, and Mikail Granlund isn’t an ideal No. 2. Roger McQueen may get there, but may not ready for the role in his rookie season. If they want to make a deep run next, and upgrade may be needed.
NHL Rumors: Devils, Canucks, and the Red Wings
The Ducks may need to find a top-nine scoring winger. Not easy with many teams looking for top-six scoring help. Troy Terry‘s status next year after he has offseason hip surgery is up in the air. Does McTavish switch to the wing. Can Frank Vatrano bouce back? Chris Kreider (35) and Alex Killorn (36) maybe better suited down the lineup as they enter the final year of their contract. They’ve got some prospects they may give an opportunity too.
An extra backup goaltender and some fourth-line depth pieces could be other areas the Ducks look at.
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