The Nashville Predators are still looking to extend Juuse Saros and would like some help at the back nine
Pierre LeBrun of the Athletic: Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz plans to speak with Kevin Epp, the agent of Juuse Saros, this week in Buffalo. Trotz wants to sign Saros to a contract extension after July 1.
The Predators will be looking to improve their blue line and will be among the teams targeting Brett Pesce.
Trotz also wants to improve their nine.
NHL Rumors: Florida Panthers, Toronto Maple Leafs, New Jersey Devils, and Vancouver Canucks
“We relied a lot on one line last year, line Ryan O’Reilly. They all had years of work in this line. But I want more goals. I’m looking at the trade market. I am looking to work for free. And some options inside. “
Don’t think the Preds will go in for someone like Jake Guentzel but maybe some of the best players in the second division.
There are other UFAs that would interest the Pittsburgh Penguins but they would need to shell out some salary.
Josh Yohe of the Athletic: (mailbag) would be surprised if Jake Guentzel re-signed with the Pittsburgh Penguins. He’ll have to be comfortable taking a discount if he’s going to re-sign. Don’t think he was too happy with the way he went and they didn’t make a legitimate effort to re-sign him. Pens have limited space and holes in their lineup. He could be looking at six years at $9 million each.
The penguins will be working this offseason to get smaller and faster. The blue line and the net may seem very similar. Changes may be coming to six.
Believe that GM Kyle Dubas will find a way to trade Reilly Smith and his contract. If the Penguins were to try and trade Tristan Jarry, maybe there would be someone interested. If they move him, they will have to find another goalkeeper (two possible).
NHL Rumors: Pittsburgh Penguins and Toronto Maple Leafs
I’m not sure if they will be able to release Ryan Graves and his remaining $15 million. If they could, adding Guentzel would make sense.
Pending UFAs that may interest the Penguins include Jake DeBrusk, Max Domi, and Anthony Duclair.
