As the calendar has turned to September, TSN’s Darren Dreger suggested to WGR 550 in Buffalo (audio link) that there may be some heat on Avalanche GM Joe Sakic to get something done regarding Matt Duchene’s situation over the next two weeks. Doing so would avoid any concerns about Duchene having to report to training camp with the team which could make for an awkward situation given how long this process has dragged out.
Dreger noted that he hasn’t heard any suggestions that Duchene or his agent Pat Brisson have told Sakic that he wouldn’t report to Avalanche training camp if he isn’t dealt by then. However, that could change over the next couple of weeks if there is no traction made on a trade by then if Duchene feels that could help to expedite the process.
Other notes from around the hockey world:
- Ryan Malone’s PTO deal with the Wild came as somewhat of a surprise considering he hasn’t played professionally since 2014-15. However, it doesn’t appear as if the focus is on landing a spot with Minnesota but rather an AHL deal in the hopes of earning an Olympic spot. Michael Russo of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune notes that Malone has been in contact with USA Hockey officials about that in recent days and that Pittsburgh and New Jersey had also expressed an interest in inking him to a minor league deal.
- Thomas Vanek’s one-year, $2MM contract with the Canucks does not contain any no-trade protection, reports Sportsnet’s Chris Johnston (Twitter link). With many expecting Vancouver to be on the outside looking in at a playoff position, there’s a good chance that he could be on the move once again by the trade deadline. At the deadline last season, Detroit landed a third round pick and defenseman Dylan McIlrath from Florida in exchange for Vanek.
- After spending part of last season with AHL Rochester, winger Tim Kennedy is looking for a new place to play. He told Bill Hoppe of the Buffalo Hockey Beat that he was hoping to remain in Buffalo’s organization but that the removal of Tim Murray as GM ended that idea. Kennedy added that he is in talks with three different teams about a contract for the upcoming season.