Will anyone need to trade for Logan Couture?
Max Miller of The Hockey News: San Jose Sharks 35-year-old forward Logan Couture would really like to play for a team that’s going to win but knows his health could be a problem as he only played six games last season.
“There are such a lot of layers that. To begin with, I’ve got to get healthy; I actually have to play. I said this after I talked to you guys when got traded, nobody’s gonna desire a guy that’s injured, making my salary,” Couture said. “Obviously, I’ve got a history of being a productive player on this league, but I’m gonna have to return back and show it for teams to have interest in me, and that’s just the best way it’s.”
Couture has three years left at $8 million per season and a modified no-trade clause. Couture doesn’t rule out a trade but he also doesn’t rule out remaining with the team. Getting healthy is his top priority. He’s expected to start out skating in July and be ready for training camp.
The Tampa Bay Lightning may have to maneuver out salary again. Is Anthony Cirelli in jeopardy of being moved?
Eduardo A. Encina of the Tampa Bay Times: Re-signing Steven Stamkos is at the highest of Tampa Bay Lightning GM Julien BriseBois’ to-do list. Defenseman Victor Hedman is eligible for a contract extension this offseason and there will likely be talks.
Stamkos and Hedman are a part of the group which have taken lower than market value to re-sign with the Lightning before.
In past years the Lightning have needed to filter out salary cap space and this 12 months will likely be no different. One player to regulate is Anthony Cirelli as he doesn’t have any trade protection. He has seven years left at $6.25 million per. The Lightning have Brayden Point, Cerelli, Nick Paul, and Luke Glendening down the center and so they could consider moving Stamkos back to center.
The Lightning have an inventory of UFAs who won’t be back, so BriseBois will likely be seeking to add some forwards and Dmen. Mitchell Chaffee ought to be re-signed quickly but Austin Watson, Haydn Fleury and Calvin de Haan likely won’t be back.
