Nichols' Notes
/ Chris NicholsSt. James: Alfredsson will either play for #RedWings or retire. Holland, Alfie will chat before training camp. Back health is the hold-up.
— Chris Nichols (@NicholsOnHockey) June 27, 2025
Ken Holland said Wings will wait until August to see how Daniel Alfredsson's back feels before deciding whether to sign him.
— Ansar Khan (@AnsarKhanMLive) June 27, 2025
Looks like a draft-floor deal brewing between that guy and that other guy. Also it turns out I'm really bad at recognizing NHL front people.
— Down Goes Brown (@DownGoesBrown) June 27, 2025
Vancouver GM Jim Benning on #Blackhawks/Kesler sweepstakes: "They were in it right until the end." #HawksDraft
— Tracey Myers (@TramyersCSN) June 27, 2025
Babcock on asst. coach search: “I phoned Nick Lidstrom, I offered him the job. Told him that his wife was happier in Detroit." Didn't work
— Ansar Khan (@AnsarKhanMLive) June 27, 2025
Babcock added Chris Chelios is not interested in being a coach full-time.
— Ansar Khan (@AnsarKhanMLive) June 27, 2025
Canucks and Panthers still talking. Van offer for 1st pick believed to be 6th, 24th and last years 1st rnd pick, Hunter Shinkaruk. #TSN
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) June 27, 2025
Just spoke to Tallon, said he’s probly going to make the pick. Said he knows he’s been a little greedy, and is comfortable keeping it.
— Ryan Rishaug (@TSNRyanRishaug) June 27, 2025
#avalanche Patrick Roy said he's still hopeful to sign Paul Stastny and Andre Benoit. #tvasports
— Renaud Lavoie (@renlavoietva) June 27, 2025
NHL source tells Kurz that #Stars have approached #SJSharks about Joe Thornton.
— Chris Nichols (@NicholsOnHockey) June 27, 2025
#TBLightning Yzerman indicated they're probably done addressing the blueline. Will explore but "really difficult" to do anything else.
— Joe Smith (@TBTimes_JSmith) June 27, 2025
Just spoke with Tanner Glass. He confirmed that he isn't coming back to the Penguins next season.
— Josh Yohe (@JoshYohe_Trib) June 27, 2025
Daniel Alfredsson & family to live in DET next season no matter what. He & #RedWings will wait till Aug to see how he feels, then talk deal.
— Helene St. James (@HeleneStJames) June 27, 2025
Possible Aug. deal for Daniel Alfredsson will have little impact on what #RedWings do now. At 41, Alfredsson deal would be bonus-heavy.
— Helene St. James (@HeleneStJames) June 27, 2025
Told Hexy's target is indeed Ekblad but may need to pull off something multiple to get to him
— Tim Panaccio (@tpanotchCSN) June 27, 2025
The Panthers are being bombarded for their pick and they did turn down Canucks for D Jason Garrison acc to team source. #FlaPanthers
— Harvey Fialkov (@hfialkov) June 27, 2025
Dale Tallon just told me nothing is going on. Asked if he was keeping pick, gave me a sad look. As in 'yeah.' Stay tuned. #FlaPanthers
— George Richards (@GeorgeRichards) June 27, 2025
#SJSharks will use their compliance buyout on Marty Havlat. That is the only player they will buy out
— Kevin Kurz (@KKurzCSN) June 27, 2025
Botchford: #Canucks have tabled an offer to #Sabres for Tyler Myers, which includes No. 24 overall pick.
— Chris Nichols (@NicholsOnHockey) June 27, 2025
Some on Draft floor are convinced the 1st pick overall is on the move and the Canucks may be the target. Still early and no sign of Tallon.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) June 27, 2025
#Panthers sitting on 2 legit offers for #1 #NHL draft pick. Heard as of late this afternoon those offers were not from a Canadian team.
— Nick Kypreos (@RealKyper) June 27, 2025
Maloney on being out a 1st-line center again: "Let's be honest. We were out a top-line center for the last 40 games anyway. We all saw it."
— Craig Morgan (@cmorganfoxaz) June 27, 2025
#CBJ have been informed the #Ducks are keeping the No.38 pick in this year's draft. #NHL
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) June 27, 2025
Flyers-Panthers blockbuster being talked about as we speak. #FlaPanthers
— Harvey Fialkov (@hfialkov) June 27, 2025
Army on free-agent courting period: "The free agents we've been able to talk to, it's been good. They're aware of our interest." #stlblues
— Jeremy Rutherford (@jprutherford) June 27, 2025
Mark Fayne's agent tells Gulitti that re-signing w/ #NJDevils “still an option, remains Mark’s first choice; but it’s looking less likely.”
— Chris Nichols (@NicholsOnHockey) June 27, 2025
Armstrong on Berglund contract: "It just happened to happen two days before the draft. People are reading into it more than is really there"
— Jeremy Rutherford (@jprutherford) June 27, 2025
Remember who stood by his breaking story on Kesler's trade request from the start: @LouisJean_TVA. #Canucks #NHLDucks http://t.co/fK7zt6mkzB
— Chris Nichols (@NicholsOnHockey) June 27, 2025
Salary cap for 2014-2015. Cap is at $69. Lower Limit is $51 million.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) June 27, 2025
I asked Nonis if he has any trades cooking, he emailed "nothing yet" #leafs #JVR #NHLDraft
— Kevin McGran (@kevin_mcgran) June 27, 2025
Hearing Dallas is interested in Joe Thornton. Obviously a moot point if he wants to stay in San Jose #SJSharks
— Kevin Kurz (@KKurzCSN) June 27, 2025
LeBrun: No one has impression #NHLJets want to leave Philly with Evander Kane dealt. He's available, but would come at a really high price.
— Chris Nichols (@NicholsOnHockey) June 27, 2025
#coyotes management and Mike Ribeiro had a meeting a month ago and Ribeiro had the impression he'll be back next season. #tvasports
— Renaud Lavoie (@renlavoietva) June 27, 2025
LeBrun: Lecavalier will be dealt in next few weeks. #Flyers are creating room for something.
— Chris Nichols (@NicholsOnHockey) June 27, 2025
At the end of the season, Mike Ribeiro said "If I work out maybe once in my career, maybe I can have a good season next year." #Coyotes
— Chris Nichols (@NicholsOnHockey) June 27, 2025
Told Flyers have had several talks with Florida regarding their pick and including Lecavalier; not sure if Panthers will bite
— Tim Panaccio (@tpanotchCSN) June 27, 2025
Maloney said this move was purely about behavioral issues and not cost-saving move. Ribeiro has been seeking help this summer, Maloney said.
— Sarah McLellan (@azc_mclellan) June 27, 2025
Maloney: "Mike had some real behavioral issues we felt we could not tolerate going forward."
— Sarah McLellan (@azc_mclellan) June 27, 2025
Maloney said this decision doesn't necessarily make #Coyotes better team next season but better organization in long run.
— Sarah McLellan (@azc_mclellan) June 27, 2025
#NHLDucks @Ryan_Kesler: "I think I fit into that organization well and can be a great number two behind Ryan Getzlaf."
— Anaheim Ducks (@AnaheimDucks) June 27, 2025
#NHLDucks @Ryan_Kesler: "It's the start of a new chapter in my life. I'm going to Anaheim to win a championship. That's my sole goal."
— Anaheim Ducks (@AnaheimDucks) June 27, 2025
#Coyotes G.M. Don Maloney: “We wish Mike the best of luck in the future and thank him for his contributions with the Coyotes.”
— Arizona Coyotes (@ArizonaCoyotes) June 27, 2025
#Canucks acquire RW Derek Dorsett from NYR for 85th pick in this year's draft.
— Vancouver Canucks (@VanCanucks) June 27, 2025
BREAKING: #Coyotes have initiated a buyout of the remaining three years of center Mike Ribeiro's contract. (more)
— Arizona Coyotes (@ArizonaCoyotes) June 27, 2025
Garrison on Team 1040: I wanted to stay w/ #Canucks, but you want to play where you're wanted. #TBLightning "It was shocking for sure."
— Chris Nichols (@NicholsOnHockey) June 27, 2025
McGuire on Team 1040: Wouldn't surprise me if #Canucks went big game hunting and ended up with Tyler Myers. #Sabres
— Chris Nichols (@NicholsOnHockey) June 27, 2025
McGuire: I'm not saying they're getting Tyler Myers, but I could see the potential for something like that. #Canucks #Sabres
— Chris Nichols (@NicholsOnHockey) June 27, 2025
McGuire: I've also heard Ryan Miller in San Jose. I've heard a lot of different scenarios. #SJSharks #Canucks
— Chris Nichols (@NicholsOnHockey) June 27, 2025
Source said veteran defenseman Sheldon Brookbank is still waiting to hear from #Blackhawks about possible return next season.
— Chris Kuc (@ChrisKuc) June 27, 2025
The Coyotes never told Mike Ribeiro and his agents about a possible buyback. It will be a surprise if it happens. #tvasports
— Renaud Lavoie (@renlavoietva) June 27, 2025
Fully expect #TBLightning to add another top 4 vet dman btwn today & July 2. They have the picks & room (plus the need).
— Billy Jaffe (@BJaffe) June 27, 2025
Panthers, Isles among most aggressive teams in trade/UFA talks. I expect both teams will improve over the next few weeks.
— Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL) June 27, 2025
There is no salary retention by VAN in Garrison deal
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) June 27, 2025
Russo: About eight teams have called on Thomas Vanek; four or five considered serious.
— Chris Nichols (@NicholsOnHockey) June 27, 2025
#Canucks acquire 50th overall pick from Tampa Bay for Jason Garrison, the rights to Jeff Costello and Van's 7th round pick in 2015.
— Vancouver Canucks (@VanCanucks) June 27, 2025
Jeremy Morin deal with Blackhawks: $800,000 AAV per year
— Pierre LeBrun (@Real_ESPNLeBrun) June 27, 2025
The #Blackhawks have agreed to terms with @jmorin91 on a two-year deal. http://t.co/c4h6lTgpHM pic.twitter.com/JmchY6LFiB
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) June 27, 2025
#neverforget pic.twitter.com/GBReAsH4zG
— Strombone (@strombone1) June 27, 2025
Kesler's agent, Kurt Overhardt has high praise for Canucks GM Jim Benning. Says Benning worked very hard with the 2 teams given (Chi-Ana).
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) June 27, 2025
Concerning Ryan Kesler, Blackhawks were interested but the impact on the cap was a concern, specially for the 15-1f season.
— Renaud Lavoie (@renlavoietva) June 27, 2025
IT'S OFFICIAL: #Canucks acquire Bonino, Sbisa, 24th & 85th pick in 2014 Draft from Ana in exchange for Kesler and 3rd round pick in 2015
— Vancouver Canucks (@VanCanucks) June 27, 2025
BREAKING: #NHLDucks acquire @Ryan_Kesler and 2015 3rd round pick from VAN for Nick Bonino, Luca Sbisa and 2014 1st and 3rd round picks.
— Anaheim Ducks (@AnaheimDucks) June 27, 2025
Sbisa says he is a 2 way defenseman, defense 1st, takes cares of his own end. #Canucks
— News1130 Sports (@News1130Sports) June 27, 2025
I see Anaheim a lot. Sbisa is solid in that Mattias Ohlund sort of way. People who know hockey will appreciate him over time.
— Eric Duhatschek (@eduhatschek) June 27, 2025
Sbisa tells me he's very excited to be coming to Van - his girlfreind born and raised in Van.
— News1130 Sports (@News1130Sports) June 27, 2025
Disney World > Disneyland Cc: @Ryan_Kesler
— Strombone (@strombone1) June 27, 2025
Bonino is a heady player who delivers clutch goals. Like him a lot. But Ducks have had a second-line hole for a long time. Kesler fills it.
— Eric Stephens (@icemancometh) June 27, 2025
Told Van wanted more players & picks from ANA but finally relented in Kesler trade. Obviously didn't want another Luongo situation.
— Billy Jaffe (@BJaffe) June 27, 2025
UPDATE: The #RedWings have officially signed Jonas Gustavsson to a one-year extension.
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) June 27, 2025
This may be out there, but #canucks did ask Garrison to waive NTC last week and he agreed as long as he approves the destination.
— Dan Murphy (@sportsnetmurph) June 27, 2025
Now that VAN has traded Kesler to ANA, hearing VAN still very active, may still be looking for No. 1 overall, perhaps trading Garrison.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) June 27, 2025
Kesler deal to Anaheim pending trade call
— Pierre LeBrun (@Real_ESPNLeBrun) June 27, 2025
This also gives VAN two first-rounder to play with in this draft. Their work may not be over.
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) June 27, 2025
Also, am told that the Ducks probably are not done. #More
— lisa dillman (@reallisa) June 27, 2025
Sounds like some haggling over the 3rd round pick
— lisa dillman (@reallisa) June 27, 2025
Deal not finalized but am told it will get done. Apparently was close twice before but that was a different regime in VAN. #Kesler
— lisa dillman (@reallisa) June 27, 2025
Thats plus the 24th overall pick
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) June 27, 2025
Bonino and Sbisa to VAN 24th overall pick
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) June 27, 2025
Anaheim will trade Bonino, Sbisa plus 24th overall pick and teams will swap third-rounders once deal goes through
— Pierre LeBrun (@Real_ESPNLeBrun) June 27, 2025
Concernant Ryan Kessler les Blackhawks disent qu'ils ne sont plus dans la course. Ça sent Anaheim. #tvasports
— Renaud Lavoie (@renlavoietva) June 27, 2025
Sounds like two players and a pick to VAN if this closes...
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) June 27, 2025
Also hearing that Ducks are trying hard to close in on Kesler.
— Eric Stephens (@icemancometh) June 27, 2025
Kesler trade to Anaheim is very close, source says
— Pierre LeBrun (@Real_ESPNLeBrun) June 27, 2025
Hearing Kesler to Anaheim is done. Awaiting details...
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) June 27, 2025
"@ChrisKuc: Source says #Blackhawks are listening to offers for winger Patrick Sharp." giggle
— Nick Kypreos (@RealKyper) June 27, 2025
ANA and VAN working hard at Kesler deal...trying to get it done
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) June 27, 2025
If, as being reported, #tblightning are looking at Dman Jason Garrison, hard to see a 1st traded for him unless it's part of a package deal
— Erik Erlendsson (@erlendssonTBO) June 27, 2025
Source says #Blackhawks are listening to offers for winger Patrick Sharp.
— Chris Kuc (@ChrisKuc) June 27, 2025
Penguins have to decide on whether to keep or trade James Neal. No shortage of interest or trade opportunities.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) June 27, 2025
Brian Boyle's agent told The Daily News this morning the #NYR forward is likely headed to free agency.
— Chris Nichols (@NicholsOnHockey) June 27, 2025
Very real possibility of Garrison to Tampa and Kesler to Anahiem happen today. #canucks
— Farhan Lalji (@FarhanLaljiTSN) June 27, 2025
Hearing TB and MTL as potential landing spots for Garrison. TB was interested in Garrison when he was UFA and chose VAN.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) June 27, 2025
Sabres GM Tim Murray: "I’m not shopping our players. Truthfully, I have gotten calls on a couple of our players. I just said I’ll listen."
— John Vogl (@BuffNewsVogl) June 27, 2025
Legit chance VAN deals defenceman Jason Garrison although he has full NTC. It's believed he would reluctantly waive depending on location.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) June 27, 2025
Chiarelli said there may be minor trade "but I don't anticipate making a big trade this weekend -- so you guys can come off high alert" ^CS
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) June 27, 2025
Hearing Fleury not in play, Neal definitely is for #pens as far as trades. Also, Rutherford looking to find cap space with some deals
— Rob Rossi (@RobRossi_Trib) June 27, 2025
Tim Murray needs trade logjam to break soon: "I have a couple of really complicated ideas, so I don’t know if I can execute them in an hour"
— John Vogl (@BuffNewsVogl) June 27, 2025
Agent Pat Brisson has spoken with six teams so far regarding UFA G Martin Brodeur... it's a process, will heat up more after the draft
— Pierre LeBrun (@Real_ESPNLeBrun) June 27, 2025
Linden on Kesler: "Ryan's an important part of our team, there's no timeline for anything." #Canucks
— Vancouver Canucks (@VanCanucks) June 27, 2025
Also told price for Kesler too much right now. No shocker. Van has to ask for moon/stars & then find best deal. Still think he gets traded
— Billy Jaffe (@BJaffe) June 27, 2025
LISTEN: #Sabres GM Tim Murray's full pre-#NHLDraft comments today http://t.co/YO3QK2aVv0
— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) June 27, 2025
Many moving parts today around the #NHL today; #NHLJets hearing some interest in Alex Burmistrov, among others. Remember him? #bn
— Tim Campbell (@FPTimCampbell) June 27, 2025
Follow to Thurs circus -- hearing that #NHLFlyers have next to no interest in Evander Kane of the #NHLJets. #bn
— Tim Campbell (@FPTimCampbell) June 27, 2025
Murray also said he has talked to agents for Ott and Moulson. #Sabres
— Mike Harrington (@BNHarrington) June 27, 2025
Sabres GM Tim Murray is shocked at how little talk there has been among GMs in the past few hours...same message as Senators GM Bryan Murray
— Ken Warren (@Citizenkwarren) June 27, 2025
Peter Chiarelli: "We'd like to find room for (Iginla). But we're all big boys here. If it doesn't work out then we'll be okay" #BruinsTalk
— Joe Haggerty (@HackswithHaggs) June 27, 2025
Murray says he has been trying to acquire a veteran player via trade who will help with culture on #Sabres.
— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) June 27, 2025
Trade talk has been quiet lately, Murray says. He anticipates chatter will pick up on the floor tonight. #NHLDraft
— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) June 27, 2025
Matt Niskanen's camp still in info-gathering mode w/ interested teams. Will take brief hiatus though on Saturday -- Niskanen's wedding day
— Katie Strang (@KatieStrangESPN) June 27, 2025
Niskanen and his reps will likely start to narrow list on Sunday, identifying the teams that may be a good fit for the top UFA defenseman
— Katie Strang (@KatieStrangESPN) June 27, 2025
Olczyk on Team 1040 thinks Ryan Kesler ends up w/ #NHLDucks. "When you look at your arch-rivals winning two Cups in three years..." #LAKings
— Chris Nichols (@NicholsOnHockey) June 27, 2025
Florida is considering a number of trade options for the 1st pick, including teams outside the top 10 offering current NHL players...
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) June 27, 2025
The Panthers intend on making their decision on whether or not to trade the pick before they get to the Draft floor...so, likely before 5pm.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) June 27, 2025
Doesn't sound like either Buffalo or Edmonton are interested in moving the 2nd or 3rd pick overall.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) June 27, 2025
The #Canucks also showed interest in Nick Drazenovic but he re-signed with the #Penguins. Drazenovic played in Prince George of the WHL.
— News1130 Sports (@News1130Sports) June 27, 2025
#Canucks interest in Engelland is lukewarm - much higher for Vitale, a grinder who had ample speed for the Penguins up-tempo game.
— News1130 Sports (@News1130Sports) June 27, 2025
The #Canucks are 1 of 10 teams that called the agent for UFA defenseman Deryk Engelland.
— News1130 Sports (@News1130Sports) June 27, 2025
Just talked with UFA goalie Jonas Hiller who has confirmed the #Canucks are 1 of 4 teams that called his agent.
— News1130 Sports (@News1130Sports) June 27, 2025
Hiller on #Canucks: "I like the fact the people in Van are into hockey, I definitely would be excited to be apart of that organization."
— News1130 Sports (@News1130Sports) June 27, 2025
#SJSharks re-sign Group II restricted free agent forward @toleksuk11 to a one-year contract. http://t.co/2WzCdu6BnZ
— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) June 27, 2025
Nothing new on Brian Gionta talks with the Canadiens. More discussions are schedule later today. #tvasports
— Renaud Lavoie (@renlavoietva) June 27, 2025
Hawks signings: Raanta $750,000 AAV, Smith $1.5 M AAV
— Pierre LeBrun (@Real_ESPNLeBrun) June 27, 2025
The #Blackhawks have agreed to terms with @BenASmith12 and @AnttiRaanta: http://t.co/Imvklt0S5m pic.twitter.com/QA3UzrFeo9
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) June 27, 2025
#CBJ not on Ryan Kesler's 'approved' list. If CBJ tried to change that, they aren't any longer. Only want players who want to be in Cbus.
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) June 27, 2025
Cap teams are getting nervous as NHL-NHLPA continue discussions on next years salary cap. Less than $70 mil will be problematic for many.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) June 27, 2025
After schmoozing in Philly I'm feeling Panthers are trading pick and will focus on D in free agency instead of taking Ekblad. #gutfeeling
— Harvey Fialkov (@hfialkov) June 27, 2025
UFA talking period has been good for D.Boyle. He will have a decision to make between bigger money vs a better chance of winning.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) June 27, 2025
Can tell you Paul Stastny was one player the #nhljets had contact with yesterday as part of interview period. Olli Jokinen's reps too #bn
— gary lawless (@garylawless) June 27, 2025