New Columbus Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell could be a huge mover and shaker at Friday’s NHL Draft.
On the 32 Thoughts podcast on Friday, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman said the Blue Jackets are thinking long and hard about making a move with the No. 4 overall pick.
“I think Columbus is the centre of the universe when it comes to potentially moving down,” Friedman said. “There are teams out there who believe the Blue Jackets are motivated to do something big. They would like to make a splash.”
One potential trading partner is the Philadelphia Flyers, who own two first-round picks (Nos. 12 and 32). But could there be another team involved?
“I don’t believe Philadelphia is the only team in there. This is a guess. I wonder if the other team is potentially Carolina and Martin Necas could be included in this,” Friedman said.
Toffoli talk
Pending unrestricted free agent forward Tyler Toffoli is a buzzy name.
Friedman said he has heard that Toffoli is on the Los Angeles Kings’ radar.
Other teams believed to be in the mix are the Vancouver Canucks and New York Rangers.
Toffoli finished out last season with the Winnipeg Jets, who acquired the former Ottawa 67’s star in a deal with the New Jersey Devils.
Staying put?
Florida Panthers forward Sam Reinhart likely isn’t going anywhere after winning the Stanley Cup with that team.
“It really sounds like Sam Reinhart, if that’s not announced, that’s happening,” Friedman said, adding the likely average annual value is in the $9-million to $9.5-million range.
Another high-profile UFA who might stay at his current spot is Carolina Hurricanes forward Jake Guentzel.
“Carolina wants to get Guentzel done before the draft. They’ve been aggressive attempting to do it,” Friedman said.
Battle for Tanev
The Dallas Stars want to keep pending UFA defenceman Chris Tanev, but could face competition from the Toronto Maple Leafs and Canucks.
“I think Dallas really wants him bad,” Friedman said. “I think they’re wondering what Toronto and Vancouver can do here. I think it (might) push (the Stars) further into a place they initially weren’t comfortable in going (in terms of deal value).”
Speaking of the Leafs, Friedman said he’s heard pending UFA forward Max Domi is looking for a deal in the area of four years at $4 million a season.
“I don’t think that’s unreasonable. He badly wants to stay,” Friedman said.
“I think Toronto has prioritized the best resources have to go to our blue line and we’ll see how everything else shakes out.”
Patience for Draisaitl deal
Don’t expect Edmonton Oilers star Leon Draisaitl to sign an extension on Monday when he’s eligible to do so.
But that doesn’t mean it’s time for Oilers fans to worry. Because the Oilers went to Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final and now have to hire a GM, a decision likely is not imminent.
“The No. 1 thing that goes through my head is this is not just a Leon Draisaitl negotiation, this is also a Connor McDavid negotiation,” Friedman said.
“There’s no way there’s going to be any clarity until both of them know exactly what each other is thinking.”
McDavid has two years left on his deal, Draisaitl has one.