It looks like NY Islanders Anders Lee is going to free agency
Pierre LeBrun: Neil Sheehy, the agent for New York Islanders pending UFA forward Anders Lee, met with GM Mathieu Darche on Wednesday. The sides are far apart, and it’s looking like Lee will go to free agency on July 1st.
The Islanders will try to keep their captain, and things can obviously change between now and July 1st, but as of now, it’s looking like free agency for Lee.
NHL Rumors: Activity Starting To Pick Up Around the League
A few potential top-six forward options for the Ottawa Senators
Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Citizen: The Ottawa Senators are looking for a top-six forward to play with Tim Stutzle. GM Steve Staios doesn’t want to move any of their core pieces, and they don’t have a lot of prospects.
Potential names that could be available include Mason McTavish (Ducks), Jordan Kyrou (Blues), and Jared McCann (Kraken).
A league executive said that New York Islanders are testing the market for Mathew Barzal and his $9.15 million through 2030-31. That may be too much money for the Senators, if they want to extend Drake Batherson, who could also be wanting something in the $9-$10 million range.
The Senators also need to find a backup goaltender and address their blue line.
The Maple Leafs, Canadiens Had a Deal in Place for Matthew Knies
Stuart Skinner, Anthony Mantha and Connor Clifton are unlikely to be back with the Pittsburgh Penguins
Josh Yohe of The Athletic: It appears that Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Stuart Skinner will be hitting free agency on July 1st, unless the team decides to trade Arturs Silovs. Sergei Murashov is expected to be with the Penguins next season. Silovs is an RFA and will likely be re-signed.
It’s also unlikely that the Penguins re-sign pending UFA Anthony Mantha, but they’re not 100 percent against the idea. For both Skinner and Mantha, some other team is more likely to offer a bigger deal. Mantha will be turning 32 in September and is looking for a longer-term deal.
31-year-old right-handed defenseman Connor Clifton likely won’t be back either. The Penguins will need to find some right-shot Dmen.
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