Tarik El-Bashir of the Athletic reports that Capitals GM Brian MacLellan characterized contract extension talks with captain Alex Ovechkin as “status quo”. MacLellan expressed optimism that talks would gain traction once training camp as training camp opens up.
Ovechkin will be without representation from an agent in negotiations.
Ovechkin was tied for the league lead in goals in 2019-20 with 48.
Dave Pagnotta of the Fourth Period reports that the Edmonton Oilers are looking at several options to improve the left side of their defense, including UFA Ben Hutton.
The Oilers’ urgency to shore up their defense has been increased since they learned that Oscar Klefbom’s injury will keep him out for the season.
Hutton, 27, played with the Kings last season and put up 4 goals and 12 assists in 65 games.
CapFriendly reports that the Ducks have signed goaltender Ryan Miller.
Miller. 40, has played the last three seasons with Anaheim. He figures to be backup to John Gibson again in 2020-21.
Elliotte Friedman reports that the Lightning are close to re-signing Anthony Cirelli.
The Lightning’s cap issues are well documented, but they gained some flexibility with today’s news that Nikita Kucherov will require surgery and will miss the 2020-21 regular season. The Lightning can then use the long-term injury reserve with Kucherov.
The Buffalo Sabres have re-signed Casey Mittelstadt.
Mittelstadt, the Sabres 8th overall pick in 2017, made his NHL debut after finishing his freshman year with the University of Minnesota late in the 2017-18 NHL season. He had a tough 2019-20 season, getting demoted to Rochester of the AHL midway through the season.
Pierre Lebrun reports that the Nashville Predators have signed Eric Haula.
The contract is for 1 year and $1.75 million.
Haula set career highs with 29 goals and 56 points in 2017-18 with Vegas. Last season he had 14 goals and 12 assists in 48 games split between Carolina and Florida.
The Montreal Canadiens have announced they’ve signed Michael Frolik to a 1-year deal worth $750,000.
Frolik, 32, split last season between the Calgary Flames and the Buffalo Sabres. He had 6 goals and 8 assists in 57 games.
The Devils have re-signed their RFA goalie Mackenzie Blackwood to a 3-year deal worth $2.8 million per season.
Blackwood will have one season before hitting unrestricted free agency on the expiry of this contract.
The Devils still have RFA forward Jesper Bratt left to sign.