With each passing minute, Steven Stamkos gets that much closer to unrestricted free agency.Tampa Bay Lightning general manager Steve Yzerman was asked about negotiations with his star player Friday night at the NHL Draft in Buffalo, N.Y., and said that he'd consider a sign-and-trade scenario if he can't get Stamkos' signature on a new deal, according to Sportsnet's Chris Johnston.

Pittsburgh Penguins general manager could care less that his club has no selection in the first round of the 2016 Draft.The club's lone selection this season was part of a package that was sent to the Toronto Maple Leafs last offseason for sniper Phil Kessel, and Rutherford regrets nothing."Of course we’d like to have a first round, but not at the expense of Phil Kessel," said Rutherford. "We’re okay with what is going on tonight."The Maple Leafs ultimately used the pick - 30th overall - to acquire goaltender Frederik Andersen from the Anaheim Ducks.Meanwhile Kessel led the Penguins in scoring with 22 points in 24 games en route to their club's Stanley Cup victory.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Arizona Coyotes selected defenseman Jakob Chychrun with the 16th overall pick in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft after stomaching Pavel Datsyuk's contract in a deal with the Detroit Red Wings.Jakob ChychrunPosition: Left Defense

The Detroit Red Wings have found a taker for the final year of Pavel Datsyuk's contract.The Red Wings traded Datsyuk and the 16th overall pick in Friday's draft to the Arizona Coyotes for the 20th and 53rd selections, as well as forward Joe Vitale.None of Datsyuk's $7.5-million cap hit will be retained by the Red Wings, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reports.Detroit now has about $19 million in cap space, while Arizona has about $26.7 million even after absorbing Datsyuk's deal.

While this year's draft will likely be remembered as a turning point in the fortunes of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Finland will remember it for another reason.Three Finns - Patrik Laine, Jesse Puljujarvi, and Olli Juolevi - were drafted in the top five, marking the first time that's ever happened.Meanwhile, only two born-and-raised Canadian players were taken in the top 10, the fewest ever, tweeted broadcaster Mike Kelly.The Canadians selected were Pierre-Luc Dubois (third overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets), and Tyson Jost (10th overall by the Colorado Avalanche).

The Ottawa Senators traded up one spot with the New Jersey Devils and selected Windsor Spitfires forward Logan Brown with the 11th overall pick in the 2016 NHL Draft.Logan Brown Position: Center

The Montreal Canadiens selected defenseman Mikhail Sergachev with the ninth overall pick in the 2016 NHL Draft on Friday.Mikhail SergachevPosition: Defense

The Calgary Flames will field a new goaltender next season.Calgary has acquired veteran Brian Elliott from the St. Louis Blues for the 35th overall pick at the 2016 NHL Draft, as first reported by Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.St. Louis will also get a conditional third-round pick in 2018 if the Flames re-sign Elliott, who is scheduled for unrestricted free agency next summer. He will earn just $2.5 million for this upcoming season.Elliott posted sparkling numbers in split duties with Jake Allen last season, finishing with a .930 save percentage and 2.07 GAA in 42 games. He was banged up for portions of the season, but was able to win the starting job for the postseason and lead the Blues past the Chicago Blackhawks and Dallas Stars, and into the Western Conference Final.Related: Fantasy Fallout - Elliott's move does wonders for fantasy goaltender landscapeThe 31-year-old likely will not have to compete for the crease in Calgary, being the only Flames netminder on an NHL contract.Allen, who also posted strong numbers in 47 appearances last season, will be the starter moving forward for St. Louis at a $2.35-million cap hit.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Arizona Coyotes have selected center Clayton Keller with the seventh overall pick in the 2016 NHL Draft on Friday.Clayton KellerPosition: Center

The Calgary Flames drafted London Knights forward Matthew Tkachuk with the sixth overall pick in the 2016 NHL Draft on Friday.Matthew TkachukPosition: Left Wing

The Vancouver Canucks selected defenseman Olli Juolevi with the fifth overall pick in the 2016 NHL Draft on Friday.Olli JuoleviPosition: Defense

The Edmonton Oilers selected forward Jesse Puljujarvi with the fourth overall pick in the 2016 NHL Draft on Friday.Jesse PuljujarviPosition: RW

The Columbus Blue Jackets selected forward Pierre-Luc Dubois with the third overall pick in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft on Friday.Pierre-Luc DuboisPosition: Left Wing

What's old is new again.The Toronto Maple Leafs officially revealed their new uniforms upon selecting Auston Matthews with the first overall pick in the draft Friday night.

The Auston Matthews era is officially underway in Toronto, as the Maple Leafs locked down the consensus No. 1-ranked prospect in the 2016 Draft on Friday.It's been a long time coming for the Maple Leafs and their fans, and Matthews officially donning blue and white set Twitter ablaze.

The Winnipeg Jets selected Patrik Laine with the second overall pick in the 2016 NHL Draft on Friday.Patrik LainePosition: LW/RW

The Montreal Canadiens have traded Lars Eller to the Washington Capitals for second-round draft selections in 2017 and 2018, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman announced Friday.Washington stated its intent to shore up the top six after a disappointing end to what was a record-breaking season, and Eller should be able to provide that upgrade.He's hit double-digit goal totals in four of his six seasons with Montreal, performing predominantly in a bottom-six capacity. But always thought to have more to provide, he failed to live up to expectations in top-six opportunities.He will earn $9 million over the next two seasons, but will only cost the Capitals $3.5 million against the salary cap.The trade directly preceded the announcement that Montreal had acquired Andrew Shaw from the Chicago Blackhawks, also for two second-round draft selections.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Chicago Blackhawks traded forward Andrew Shaw to the Montreal Canadiens for two 2016 second-round picks, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman announced at the NHL Draft.The deal was announced after Bettman revealed the Canadiens traded forward Lars Eller to the Washington Capitals for two second-round picks, one in 2017 and one in 2018.Shaw's a restricted free agent, and another casualty of the Blackhawks' salary-cap issues. He had 14 goals and 20 assists in 78 games this past season, and had six points in six playoff games. He was a fifth-round pick in the 2011 draft and won two Stanley Cups with Chicago.The Belleville, Ontario native will turn 25 on July 19, and made $2.5 million last season. He's reportedly seeking at least $4.5 million per season on his next deal.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

It was a formality: The Toronto Maple Leafs drafted Auston Matthews with the first overall pick at the 2016 NHL Draft on Friday.Auston MatthewsPosition: Center

Insider commentary prior to the NHL draft on Friday proved to be fodder for the Columbus Blue Jackets' social media team.The team's Twitter account provided this perfectly executed online quip when various NHL insiders provided running commentary of a discussion between Jarmo Kekalainen, and fellow executives Brad Treliving and Peter Chiarelli.

The St. Louis Blues have their eye on one of two Edmonton Oilers forwards in a potential deal for Kevin Shattenkirk.Both teams are reportedly in talks about the Blues' big-time defenseman, and while the Oilers are offering Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, the Blues are asking for Taylor Hall or Jordan Eberle, according to NHL.com's Lou Korac.The Oilers have made it known leading up to the draft that they are in the market for a defenseman. Meanwhile, with Shattenkirk making a steep $4.25 million and set to become an unrestricted free agent next summer, the Blues would like to make a move for the 27-year-old.Shattenkirk led Blues defensemen last season with 14 goals and 44 points in 72 games last season.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Vancouver Canucks are taking to social media to get some last-minute trade advice.With just under an hour until the Toronto Maple Leafs are scheduled to take the floor to announce the first overall pick in the draft, the Canucks asked the masses what they should do with the fifth overall selection.

Draft day continues to buzz.The Edmonton Oilers and Minnesota Wild are reportedly discussing a potential trade involving Oilers' center Ryan Nugent-Hopkins for defenseman Matt Dumba or Jonas Brodin, according to Michael Russo of the Star Tribune.

The Calgary Flames appear to be making progress in their search for a new goaltender.The club has talked to the St. Louis Blues about acquiring Brian Elliott, and the Flames have also gained permission to speak to the Tampa Bay Lightning about Ben Bishop, reports TSN's Bob McKenzie.Bishop carries a cap hit of $5.95 million next season before potentially becoming an unrestricted free agent.Elliott is on the books for a much more affordable $2.5 million in 2016-17, and he too is a pending UFA after next season.The Flames are also looking at a certain Detroit Red Wings netminder.

The Tampa Bay Lightning have locked up another of their restricted free agents, signing forward Cedric Paquette to a two-year deal, the team announced Friday.The 22-year-old will make $800,00 in 2016-17 and $825,000 during the following campaign, according to Renaud Lavoie of TVA Sports. Paquette is coming off his second full season with the Lightning, contributing six goals and 11 points in 56 games.Paquette makes three restricted free agents locked up by the Lightning after forward J.T. Brown and defenseman Luke Witkowski also signed earlier in the day.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Tampa Bay Lightning have come to terms with their first free-agent forward of the offseason, re-signing J.T. Brown to a two-year contract extension, general manager Steve Yzerman announced Friday.The 25-year-old winger posted career highs with eight goals and 22 points in 78 games this past season, while finishing tied for third on the Lightning with a plus-16 rating.Meanwhile, pending unrestricted free agent Steven Stamkos still remains without a contract, while fellow forwards Nikita Kucherov, Alex Killorn, Vladislav Namestnikov, and Cedric Paquette will all become RFAs on July 1.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Thomas Vanek is headed to free agency.The Minnesota Wild bought out the final year of his contract on Friday, the club announced."In order to give our team more salary cap flexibility we needed to make this difficult decision," general manager Chuck Fletcher said. "We thank Thomas for his time with the Minnesota Wild and wish him the best going forward."The buyout frees up $5 million in cap space for the 2016-17 season, while costing the Wild $2.5 million against the cap in 2017-18."It was a dream of mine to come back to the State of Hockey (where he played in college) and I got to fulfill that, but obviously not the way I hoped," Vanek told Michael Russo of the Star Tribune. "I think I can score 25, 30 goals in the right situation. As disappointing as it is ... the focus is to find the right fit."Vanek, who signed a three-year, $19.5-million contract with the Wild in 2014, is coming off one of the worst statistical seasons of his career, recording 18 goals and 23 assists in 74 games.He'll be able to sign with any of the NHL's 29 other teams come July 1.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Andrew Shaw appears to be looking for a significant raise.The restricted free agent is reportedly seeking at least $4.5 million per season on his next deal, a source told Mark Lazerus of the Chicago Sun-Times.This comes less than a day after it was reported the Chicago Blackhawks were exploring the trade market on both Shaw and Marcus Kruger.Kruger, 26, has a three-year deal with an average annual valuation of $3,083,333 that kicks in at the beginning of 2016-17, while the 24-year-old Shaw is coming off a two-year deal that carries a $2-million cap hit.One week away from NHL free agency, the Blackhawks have approximately $6.4 million in available cap space, according to general fanager, with plenty of roster spots left to fill.Shaw has recorded 70 goals and 67 assists in 322 games for the Blackhawks, good for a points-per-game average of 0.43.He has, however, proven to up his game in the playoffs, tallying 16 goals and 35 points in 67 postseason games en route to two Stanley Cup wins in Chicago.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

BUFFALO, N.Y. - The Arizona Coyotes have selected a site for their new arena but aren't ready to announce its location.Speaking before the NHL draft on Friday, Coyotes President and CEO Anthony LeBlanc said the team has a deal in place, but attorneys are still working out the details.LeBlanc said the arena will likely be financed with public and private funds, but the team will cover more than 50 percent. The Coyotes have a one-year lease to play at Gila River Arena in Glendale next season, and the team is working with AEG, which operates the arena, to add a two-year extension before moving.The Coyotes have looked at numerous sites for a new arena, including downtown Phoenix, near Arizona State's campus in Tempe and ScottsdaleCopyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Benn brothers will remain in Texas for at least another year.The Dallas Stars signed defenseman Jordie Benn to a three-year contract extension, general manager Jim Nill announced Friday. The deal is reportedly worth $1.1 million per season, according to Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News."Jordie has earned the trust of his teammates and the coaching staff, and he's taken advantage of every opportunity put in front of him during his career," said Nill."His ability to play in a variety of roles makes him valuable to our defensive depth and flexibility, and we're happy to have him locked up for the next three seasons."A pending free agent, Benn recorded 12 points in 64 games last season.Meanwhile, brother and team captain Jamie Benn is set to hit unrestricted free agency next summer.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Vancouver Canucks general manager Jim Benning made waves Thursday by mentioning his interest in star defenseman P.K. Subban, as well as forward Steven Stamkos - but his comments may be getting him in trouble with the league.The NHL is reportedly looking into a tampering complaint regarding his comments about the pair of All-Stars, according to Renaud Lavoie of TVA Sports.Related: Canucks GM has discussed Subban, also interested in Stamkos​Benning mentioned that they had trade talks with the Montreal Canadiens for Subban's services, adding that it was a "high price." He also stated his intention to speak with Stamkos as the Tampa Bay Lightning captain's unrestricted free agency looms.History shows a fine is likely for Benning and the Canucks. In 2009, the Toronto Maple Leafs were fined an undisclosed amount after then-head coach Ron Wilson expressed interest in Canucks forwards Daniel and Henrik Sedin before they became free agents.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Dmitry Kulikov may be the odd man out on the Florida Panthers' blue line.With Keith Yandle officially locked up on a long-term deal and Aaron Ekblad reportedly nearing one of his own, several teams are reportedly calling to see if Kulikov could be had in a trade.

The Colorado Avalanche re-signed forward Andreas Martinsen to a one-year contract, the team announced Friday.The deal is worth a reported $640,000, according to Terry Frei of the Denver Post.After coming to the NHL from Germany's DEL last year, Martinsen recorded four goals and seven assists in 55 games as a rookie. He also finished fifth among first-year NHLers with 155 hits.A native of Norway, the 26-year-old represented his country at the recent IIHF World Championship, recording two goals and an assist in seven games.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

2016 NHL Draft - Day 1

The Florida Panthers have signed defenseman Keith Yandle to a seven-year contract.Terms of the deal weren't disclosed by the club, but it's believed to be worth $44.45 million, carrying an average annual valuation of $6.35 million, according to Craig Custance of ESPN.That would make him the Panthers' highest-paid player."We are thrilled to have signed Keith to a multi-year contract," said general manager Tim Rowe. "He is a highly skilled and experienced defenseman who will be a tremendous asset on our blue line and in our dressing room. We look forward to Keith’s contributions to our team both on the ice and in the South Florida community."The Panthers acquired his rights from the New York Rangers for a pair of draft picks, one of them conditional on Yandle signing with Florida. Upon signing him, the Panthers sent their fourth-round pick in 2017 to New York.The negotiating period gave Yandle time to explore what he's getting into, and he clearly liked what he saw.

With Aaron Ekblad eligible for a contract extension July 1, the Florida Panthers aren't going to waste any time locking up the star defenseman long term.The Panthers are reportedly preparing to sign the 20-year-old to an eight-year extension worth around $60 million, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.Both Ekblad and his agent declined comment.At an average annual value of $7.5 million per year, the two-time All-Star would become the fifth-highest paid defenseman in the league behind only P.K. Subban, Shea Weber, Dustin Byfuglien, and Ryan Suter, per CapFriendly.Drafted first overall in 2014, Ekblad won the Calder Trophy in his rookie season after a 39-point campaign. He followed that up with a career-high 15 goals this past season, helping lead his team to their second division title in franchise history.An Ekblad extension would further solidify the team's blue line for the foreseeable future, after announcing the signing of Keith Yandle to a seven-year deal Friday.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Las Vegas expansion franchise is set to hit the ground running in its search for a general manager.Awarded a team upon approval by the NHL's board of governors Wednesday, the franchise's GM interviews could begin within the next week, according to Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun.Garrioch writes:

We may be reading too far into this.But, with Las Vegas expansion now officially on the horizon and executive teams now required to lay plans to protect the future, there's certainly more to ponder on the draft floor in Buffalo.You'd think one of these considerations, and perhaps most pressing, would be team defenses. Because as per the rules that will govern the expansion draft, teams will have to protect eight skaters, not the maximum 10, in order to ensure more than three roster defenders.For this reason, and the perpetual obligation to supplement this position, we expect a run on defenseman in the front half of the first round once the elite forwards come off the board.Here's our final mock draft:1. Maple Leafs - Auston Matthews, C, ZurichA complete three-zone center and as NHL-ready a prospect that's arrived in recent years, Matthews is now charged with igniting Toronto's turnaround.GPGAP362422462. Jets - Patrik Laine, RW, TapparaWinnipeg has plenty of quality prospects, though none with a toolbox like Laine. The anomalous Finn will soon have the MTS Centre reaching a whole 'nother decibel.GPGAP46171633Related: Laine a rare breed of sniper3. Blue Jackets - Jesse Puljujarvi, RW, Karpat The next generation of power winger, Puljujarvi is an exceptional skater with a 6-foot-4 build that he can continue packing muscle onto.GPGAP501315284. Oilers - Matthew Tkachuk, LW, LondonA polished, proficient, intelligent attacking-zone force made to complement a star, Tkachuk could be Connor McDavid's ideal wingman.GPGAP573077107Related: Tkachuk lauds McDavid as NHL's next best, 'if he's not already'5. Canucks - Mikhail Sergachev, D, WindsorConsidered by some as the blue-liner with the highest ceiling, Sergachev outshone first-round talents from all corners of the OHL in being named the league's most outstanding defenseman. It stays this way draft night.GPGAP671740576. Flames - Pierre-Luc Dubois, LW, Cape BretonDubois is highly capable in all offensive facets and will bring much needed size and strength to a young top six.GPGAP624257997. Coyotes - Olli Juolevi, D, LondonArizona has an exciting collection of forward prospects but aren't exactly brimming with talent at the back end. The steady Juolevi is as good as a lock to be a factor at the next level.GPGAP57933428. Sabres - Alex Nylander, LW, MississaugaOne of the highest-skilled forwards available for choosing, the Sabres keep adding pieces to their top six with lottery selections. The Nylander brothers, meanwhile, remain connected by highway.GPGAP572847759. Canadiens - Logan Brown, C, WindsorA 6-foot-6 center, he wouldn't be considered the classic Canadien, but to go along with his size, Brown has top-end play-making capabilities, vision, and comparative speed.GPGAP5921537410. Avalanche - Jakob Chychrun, D, SarniaIt would not be surprising to see a team acquire this selection from the Avs, but it fits nonetheless. Chychrun has can't-miss, next-level talent, even if he didn't show it consistently throughout his draft season.GPGAP6811384911. Devils - Clayton Keller, C, USA U-18Keller was without question the most dominant point producer in USA Hockey's developmental program this season. He'll help to satiate an obvious need in Jersey.GPGAP2313243712. Senators - Dante Fabbro, D, PentictonWith two defenders making almost $15 million, the Senators must continue funneling capable back line help into the system. They find one in Fabbro, who will make the jump from Junior A to the NCAA and Boston University next season.GPGAP4514536713. Hurricanes - Tyson Jost, C, PentictonCarolina has added some quality pieces up front under Ron Francis, but it has spent its lottery selection on defense. Jost could be that game-breaking talent the Hurricanes plainly lack.GPGAP48426210414. Bruins - Jake Bean, D, CalgaryBean can grow into the competent puck-moving, possession-driving blue-liner that the Bruins are largely without.GPGAP6824406415. Wild - Charlie McAvoy, D, Boston UniversityThe Wild defense ought to change over the course of the next 12 months. As such, adding a sure-skating transition defender in McAvoy - the youngest player in Division I this season - would be a quality investment.GPGAP373222516. Red Wings - Kieffer Bellows, LW, USA U-18Yet another talented scorer will fall to the Red Wings in the mid-to-late first round. Bellows is an exuberant scorer with a little sandpaper to him as well.GPGAP2316163217. Predators - Michael McLeod, C, MississaugaMcLeod isn't the most skilled prospect, but his size, motor, and defensive acumen will see him have a lasting impact at the next level. This would be a value pick for the Predators and one at an area of need.GPGAP5721406118. Flyers - Max Jones, LW, LondonJones is a forceful, strong-skating, talented scorer, and a complete terror to line up against. Sounds like a Flyer, don't it?GPGAP6328245219. Islanders - Luke Kunin, C, WisconsinKunin won't "wow" with isolated individual skills, but all together, he was a dominant attacking force in his draft season.GPGAP3419133220. Coyotes - German Rubstov, C, Russia U-18Rubstov's the wild card in the draft, as information pertaining to the center is limited, in that Russia was disqualified from the U18 World Championship. Arizona may be that progressive organization who can tune out the noise and pluck a two-way center with lottery potential.GPGAP2812142621. Hurricanes - Julien Gauthier, RW, Val d'OrGauthier's a tireless worker off the ice but may need some drilling on it. He hasn't quite figured out how to be a consistently dominant player despite having all the attributes. Still, Carolina nabs another very intriguing prospect with the selection of Gauthier here.GPGAP5441165722. Jets - Rasmus Asplund, C, FarjestadTo pair with the second ranked European-bred Laine, the Jets will grab the fourth and two-way center Asplund. With two seasons of pro hockey already to his credit, he should be quite polished when he comes over down the road.GPGAP46481223. Panthers - Alex DeBrincat, RW, ErieDeBrincat piled up 102 goals in two seasons with the Erie Otters. Florida's new-look, stat-minded brain-trust doesn't have to flip through too many spreadsheets to be sold on the young American forward.GPGAP60515010124. Ducks - Vitali Abramov, RW, GatineauA highly successful debut season in North America, in which he led QMJHL rookies with 93 points, vaults Abramov into the first round.GPGAP6338559325. Stars - Kale Clague, D, BrandonWith Alex Goligoski gone, and Jason Demers and Kris Russell to follow, Dallas is turning to its system to defend the zone next season. Replenish.GPGAP716374326. Capitals - Riley Tufte, LW, BlaineA towering kid with the skill typically reserved for diminutive types, Tufte was named Minnesota's Mr. Hockey in his senior season, scoring 47 goals and 78 points in 25 games.GPGAP2547317827. Lightning - Tyler Benson, LW, VancouverBenson was limited in his 30 games as a draft-eligible prospect, but with the potential to grow into a top-six NHL forward when healthy, Tampa might get value here.GPGAP309192828. Blues - Libor Hajek, D, SaskatoonWith a puck-moving defenseman believed to be on the move, the Blues add one of the draft's premier skaters. Hajek has a lot of areas to shore up but has the base most conducive to future success.GPGAP693232629. Bruins - Nathan Bastian, RW, MississaugaBastian makes it a trio of Mississauga Steelheads linemates chosen in the first round, joining Nylander and McLeod.GPGAP6419405930. Ducks - Dennis Cholowski, D, ChilliwackWith its second pick in the opening round, Anaheim continues to recognize that defense is the greatest currency, selecting a bit of a project puck mover in Cholowski.GPGAP50122840Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Cam Fowler is reportedly a hot commodity.Trade tralks involving the Anaheim Ducks defenseman are heating up to the point that he could be dealt before the draft Friday night, ESPN's Pierre LeBrun reports via TSN's Bob McKenzie.McKenzie adds that the Buffalo Sabres are among several teams interested in Fowler, but Buffalo isn't keen on surrendering the eighth overall pick.TSN's Darren Dreger also weighed in:

Kyle Okposo's future will reportedly not involve the New York Islanders.A league source told Newsday's Arthur Staple on Thursday that the veteran forward is "100 percent gone," implying he'll become a free agent when eligible on July 1.Islanders general manager Garth Snow has been heavily involved in trade discussions over the past few weeks in an effort to land a replacement for Okposo in the top six, according to the report.The 28-year-old's representative will likely be in contact with a handful of teams when the negotiating window opens early Saturday morning, Staple writes.Last week, the GM wished Okposo "nothing but the best," a comment that came three days after the winger's agent said, "All indications are we're headed to free agency."Okposo is one of seven pending free-agent forwards on the Islanders roster. New York has 10 pending free agents in total, and only about $15 million in cap space.He posted 22 goals and 64 points this season, and just completed a five-year deal with a cap hit of $2.8 million.Okposo has spent his entire nine-year career with the Islanders, who drafted him seventh overall in 2006. He has 139 goals and 369 points in 529 games.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Philadelphia Flyers announced the signing of defenseman Radko Gudas to a multi-year contract extension Thursday night.The 26-year-old blue-liner had five goals and nine assists last season, while averaging 19:51 in ice time per game. He racked up 304 hits and 157 blocked shots, both career highs, and had a 53.2 percent Corsi For rating, according to Hockey Reference.The deal is four years in length and worth $13.4 million, according to Sportsnet's Chris Johnston.

The Boston Bruins and Loui Eriksson are reportedly at an impasse with respect to a contract extension, but the club will take one more shot at signing the winger before he hits free agency, general manager Don Sweeney said Thursday.

Marc Bergevin insists he isn't initiating the P.K. Subban trade talk."I have never shopped P.K. Subban, but I can't prevent teams from calling," the Montreal Canadiens general manager told reporters in French on Thursday, according to TSN's Frank Seravalli.The Vancouver Canucks and Edmonton Oilers have both reportedly inquired about Subban's availability."I never shopped Subban," Bergevin reiterated, according to Metro Montreal's Marc Dumont. "Are they creating rumors? Of course. But I don't pay attention to it."The superstar defenseman is under contract until 2022, but his no-movement clause goes into effect July 1."He's an All-Star defenceman," Bergevin said Thursday. "He's a good player. If I was with another team, I'd probably be calling about him, too."The GM said conversations are typically "pretty short" when teams call to ask about Subban, and that he listens but isn't shopping the 2013 Norris Trophy winner.Despite his insistence, Bergevin didn't outright dismiss the possibility of trading Subban.

Everyone knows the Calgary Flames are looking for a goalie."They tell me (the secret is to) have a good one," general manager Brad Treliving said Thursday, writes ESPN's Pierre LeBrun."We're in a bunch of different markets on that, so we'll see how it goes," Treliving added.The Flames have reportedly inquired about Marc-Andre Fleury's availability in Pittsburgh, though the price from the Penguins is thought to be too rich for Calgary.

Loui Eriksson appears destined for free agency.The pending unrestricted free agent forward and the Boston Bruins aren't close on a contract extension, and he's expected to hit the market on July 1, TVA's Renaud Lavoie reports.The issue appears to be the length of a potential new deal as Lavoie reports the two sides are not close on term.TSN's Darren Dreger said on TSN 1050 on Thursday that Eriksson is seeking six years, but the Bruins don't want to give him more than four, according to Chris Nichols of Today's Slapshot.Eriksson's agent, J.P. Barry was expected to meet with the club Thursday. Barry said last week that the Eriksson camp was waiting on a new offer from the Bruins but hadn't yet received one.The 30-year-old winger had his best season as a Bruin in 2015-16, notching 30 goals and 63 points while appearing in all 82 games.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

If a team out there is thinking about signing Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Seth Jones to an offer sheet, it probably shouldn't bother.

Edmonton Oilers general manager Peter Chiarelli says he's actively tying to improve his blue line.“It’s no secret we’re in the market for a defenceman, and we’re fully engaged and we’ve got a pretty high pick,” the GM told the club's official website. “It’s actually been exciting and it will ramp up (Friday).”Chiarelli has repeatedly stated his desire to land an elite, right-shot defenseman, and Edmonton has a wealth of young, talented forwards.ESPN's Pierre LeBrun reports the Oilers have reached out to the Montreal Canadiens about the availability of P.K. Subban, but whether there's a fit remains unclear."(Defensemen) are valuable components, but we’ve got some good players, we’ve got some good other assets and that’s what you look to deal when you try and do it," Chiarelli said. "If we don’t get it done by the draft, we’ve got a lot of time to do it.”The Oilers hold the fourth overall pick, and Chiarelli admitted he's talked to other teams about what he may do with it."I’ve had discussions that include that pick. We’re looking at all different options including making that pick, trading down, including that pick in a trade for a defenceman. I’m looking at all those options. I’ve had discussions with teams on all those options.”The GM isn't going to force a deal before the draft if it's worthwhile to wait.“(Friday) has no bearing on it unless the pick is involved, or a pick is involved. But it just so happens that everyone thinks that’s a milestone or deadline for these deals."The Oilers have about $12 million in cap space, and three pending unrestricted free agents (Eric Gryba, Adam Pardy, and Nikita Nikitin) on the back end.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Toronto Maple Leafs may have accidentally previewed their new uniforms one night earlier than they planned.A video uploaded to the club's official mobile app apparently displayed these images before being promptly removed.

One restricted free agent down, one to go for the Columbus Blue Jackets.The club agreed to a two-year contract extension with forward William Karlsson on Thursday.Blue Jackets digital and social manager Rob Mixer provided the details.That leaves about $4 million in cap space for Columbus with defenseman Seth Jones left as its only remaining pending restricted free agent.Karlsson posted nine goals and 20 points in 81 games for the Blue Jackets in his first full season.The 23-year-old was traded to Columbus by the Anaheim Ducks in the James Wisniewski deal at the 2015 deadline. Karlsson was selected 53rd overall by Anaheim in 2011.Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.