Now armed with two tradable first-round picks including a top-ten selection (to go along with the 32nd pick which can’t be moved), the Senators are making a big push for Stars winger Jason Robertson, reports David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period (Twitter link). Robertson’s current contract is set to expire at the end of the month and based on where his market is likely to go, his next deal will cost more than what Dallas has in cap room. While GM Jim Nill said yesterday that talks are going “good” and that there is no rush to get something done, this also isn’t the type of negotiation that will get dragged out thanks to his arbitration eligibility. If Dallas ultimately can’t get something done and has to pivot to a futures-based return, the Senators (who have more than ample cap flexibility now) could present an intriguing package with those two first-round selections as part of the return. Robertson had 45 goals and 51 assists in 82 games this season.
Elsewhere around the hockey world:
- Rangers center Vincent Trocheck has made it known previously that his desire would be get traded to another team in the East if New York moves him. It appears his stance has softened on that a little. On the latest Chris Johnston Show (video link), the TSN and The Athletic reporter noted that Trocheck is now willing to consider a couple of teams in the Western Conference. Widely thought to be on the move at the trade deadline, the Rangers opted to hold onto the 32-year-old, presumably thinking they’d have a better shot at maximizing the return with an offseason move. With more teams potentially in play now thanks to an extended yes list, they may be proven right.
- After the Toronto Marlies won the Calder Cup, the Maple Leafs will be losing one of their organizational coaches. Steve Ewen of the Vancouver Province relays that WHL Vancouver will hire Marlies assistant Michael Dyck as their head coach and GM in the near future. Dyck spent three seasons with the Marlies and will be returning to a familiar environment as he was an assistant with the Giants for five years before departing for Toronto.
