Where will John Tavares go?
THE ATHLETIC: Arthur Staple reports the Toronto Maple Leafs, San Jose Sharks and Dallas Stars could be among three teams assured of meetings with John Tavares if he opts to go through the interview process. The Tampa Bay Lightning and Los Angeles Kings (“the latter a long-desired destination of Tavares if he were to leave the Isles”) could also get into the mix. If Tavares stays with the New York Islanders that could force some of the teams interested in Tavares to instead pursue Carolina Hurricanes winger Jeff Skinner or Montreal Canadiens left wing Max Pacioretty.
Red Wings looking to sign a goalie
The Score: The Detroit Red Wings will look to free agency for help between the pipes. “Obviously, we want to sign a goalie,” general manager Ken Holland said from the NHL draft in Dallas. “We’re going to talk to some goalies this week. I don’t know if I’ll really be trading for one, but we’re going to talk to some free agents.” While unrestricted free agents can’t officially sign until July 1, teams can gauge their interest beginning Monday. Should the Red Wings go the free-agent route, their options could include Kari Lehtonen, Jaroslav Halak, Robin Lehner, and Cam Ward.
Which team will sign Ilya Kovalchuk?
STLToday: Jim Thomas reports St. Louis Blues general manager Doug Armstrong confirmed his club isn’t in on the bidding for Ilya Kovalchuk. The Los Angeles Kings, Boston Bruins, San Jose Sharks and Vegas Golden Knights are believed the suitors for the Russian winger. Speculation suggests the Blues are among the clubs with interest in Carolina’s Jeff Skinner.
