As training camps open today and tomorrow across the NHL there are still a number of players without contracts some of whom are expected not to report to camp. It has be a hard decision for a player to not be a part of the team from the get-go, but fortunately the other players in the locker room understand the nature of the business these days, and how it could be them next year.

Here's what I'm hearing in regards to the potential no-shows.

On Ryan Johansen...

This has turned into quite the drama, but honestly at this point I don't see Ryan reporting to camp or even starting the year. This has become a case of the team being backed into a corner and being asked to do something that they honestly can't do. The Blue Jackets are going to likely move away from the situation today and focus on what they can control.

While the agent for Ryan Johansen isn't saying it publicly, you might as well come out and just say, "We believe the Blue Jackets need Ryan, are going to be unsuccessful without him, and will eventually give in to our number."

The Blue Jackets have gone through many openings-of-seasons with injuries and players missing. This will just be another. Eventually this will get done, but I don't think it will be the Blue Jackets to cave in this in this case.

On Ryan Ellis...

There is another Ryan controversy brewing. This one in the heart of Tennessee. RFA Ryan Ellis and the Nashville Predators are closer than the other Ryan and his team, but still far enough apart that it appears Ellis may skip the early parts of camp. Ellis is in a tough spot because he is the third defenseman behind Shea Weber and Seth Jones, and yet there is little doubt he is a top two defenseman. I continue to hear other teams keeping an eye on the situation, the Montréal Canadiens who would love to add another defenseman of his calibre. (e3)

On Torey Krug...

In a somewhat similar but perhaps even worse negotiating position is the Boston Bruins Torey Krug. The Bruins are out of money and have to sign both Krug and the even more valuable Reilly Smith. And the Bruins have too many defensemen as it is. I heard the Buffalo Sabres called about Krug over the past weekend.(e2) That would make some sense.

On Reilly Smith...

My opinion Reilly Smith was the best part of the Seguin trade. Smith was a diamond in the rough last year and vital toward the Bruins success. The Bruins are trying to make a trade to free up money for Reilly Smith. They continue to talk to the Edmonton Oilers(e4) and San Jose Sharks (e3) about possibly moving Boychuk. As reported before the Oilers want Morrow, but would have to take something like Chris Kelly as well to make the trade worthwhile for the Bruins.

I will soon have updates on Kuemper, Jaden Schwartz and others...

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