Keep a close eye on Tampa folks...With less than two weeks to the Draft, and 3 weeks to UFA Day, Tampa appears to be up to something...They are talking to teams about Tyler Johnson, which strongly implies they are looking to spend to some money in free agency...Haven't heard where yet, but I would suspect they would get involved in the John Carlson sweeps...
On John Carlson....
I am told that later this week Carlson and the Caps are going to meet to try and work out a deal...The Caps are sounding a little more optimistic than I was hearing most of the season, but it's still not better than 50/50 at this point....
Ristolainen for Hanifin?
This deal makes a lot of sense....and NOT because Hanifin and Eichel are long-time friends (although it doesn't hurt the chances) or because Aho really likes Rasmus (which I hear he does) Both players need a fresh start and both teams could find a win/win here...
On Kovalchuk...
The Kings have ALWAYS wanted Kovalchuk, and now I am hearing they are planning to make a legit play for him...The question with Ilya is years...no one I have found is willing to go past 2 years.....most want 1.