For what it is worth, here is what I have heard regarding the meetings and moods of the 8 teams who are making a push..
- Boston had a long interview with Vesey and everyone seemed very pleased. Vesey loves the area and they can offer a lot. Still the favorites in my book.
- The New York Rangers feel they arent really in it, but since the New York Islanders and New Jersey Devils are in on it they kind of have to at least take a shot.
- The Devils, in Devils fashion, came in with a low expectation around the NHL, but I think surprised Vesey with their pitch and have moved up. But how far up?
- The Leafs? I am getting a highly odd vibe from my Leafs people. Either they 100% know he is coming to Toronto and dont want to say that or they are extremely doubtful and truly believe they are long shots because they are playing this way too negative and defeatist. It feels a bit "on message" and contrived.
- The Islanders are acting like they really don't consider themselves favorites, yet a few other teams are telling me behind the scenes they are hearing they are in the final two.
- The Penguins really don't have the cap space and aren't sounding very serious.
- The Hawks are being the standard Hawks. They are acting cavalier with an attitude of "If he wants to win there really is only one option."
- The Sabres are the x-factor in all of this. He may just really want to play with Jack Eichel. I keep hearing this and I do believe the Sabres are far from out of it.
Based on discussions with my sources I would say the Hawks, Bruins, Islanders and Devils are the final four. I am still leaning Boston, but I am really curious about Buffalo.
We will discuss all of this and more on today at 1pm ET
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