Nathan Denette/The Canadian Press via AP
With the expansion draft two weeks away and the NHL off-season kicking into high gear, rumors continue to swirl, including a few related to the Washington Capitals. Here’s what’s currently out there as of Saturday morning, as reported by other media outlets:
Alex Ovechkin
The Russian news agency Sport-Express.ru is reporting that Calgary Flames General Manager Brad Treliving is denying reports that the club is interested in trading for Capitals’ forward Alex Ovechkin. Last week rumors broke that the Flames were ready to exchange Oliver Shilington, Sam Bennett, and several first round draft picks.
Kevin Shattenkirk
FanRagSports is reporting that NHL reporter Elliotte Friedman discussed the Capitals free-agent defenseman on the NHL Network on Thursday. Friedman stated that he thought that there was indeed a point when the Capitals were hoping to re-sign Shattenkirk. Friedman stated “I think that’s extremely unlikely right now. As you heard Brian MacLellan say at his end-of-season media briefing, they’re going to focus on their RFAs and then they’re going to take a look at T.J. Oshie if the cap does go up to about 77. So I think Shattenkirk is out.” Friedman stated it’s likely Shattenkirk will end up in Dallas or with the New York Rangers.
Assistant Coach Todd Reirden
According to TSN’s Bob McKenzie, barring any last-minute hiccups, the Florida Panthers and Bob Boughner are closing in on a deal for him to be the Panthers’ new head coach. On May 15th, according to Frank Seravalli of TSN, the Florida Panthers were interested in Reirden and an interview was to be coming soon. It looks like Reirden will not be heading to South Florida. Reirden also interviewed for the open head coaching position in Buffalo, however NHL insider Elliotte Friedman stated on the NHL network Saturday evening that it looks like the job will likely go to another candidate.
Dmitry Orlov
The Washington Post’s Isabelle Khurshudyam is reporting that “One comparable I heard for Orlov (contract) was Nick Leddy’s seven-year deal with a $5.5 million AAV that he signed two seasons ago.” AP reporter Stephen Whyno is reporting that Shayne Gostisbehere‘s extension ($4.5 million cap hit) and Nikita Zaitsev‘s extension ($4.5 million) should be close comparables for Capitals RFA defenseman Dmitry Orlov.
Justin Williams
As per CSN’s JJ Regan, “Justin Williams said he has met with Brian MacLellan and has another meeting with him soon.” Following the aforementioned playoff exit, Williams said he’d like to be back with the Caps, but suggested any sort of negotiation would happen well down the road. You can read more about JJ’s interview with Williams here.
By Jon Sorensen
Follow @NoVa_Caps