Sabres trade Hudson Fasching to Coyotes for Brandon Hickey, Mike Sislo

The Buffalo Sabres have traded forward Hudson Fasching to the Arizona Coyotes for defenseman Brandon Hickey and forward Mike Sislo, the clubs announced Thursday.

Fasching collected 12 goals and 30 points in 69 games for the AHL's Rochester Americans and was held pointless in five NHL contests this season.

The 22-year-old winger managed only three points in 22 games with the Sabres over the last three campaigns. Buffalo drafted him in the fourth round back in 2013.

Hickey chipped in 14 points across 35 games in his senior season with Boston University. He was originally acquired by the Coyotes in the Mike Smith trade with the Calgary Flames, who selected Hickey in the third round in 2014.

Sislo is a journeyman, having spent six years in the New Jersey Devils organization before landing with the AHL's San Antonio Rampage, Toronto Marlies, and then the Coyotes' affiliate, the Tucson Roadrunners.

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Report: Tavares focusing on extension talks with Islanders

John Tavares is focused on an extension with the New York Islanders and has been having daily discussions with the club, according to TSN's Darren Dreger.

A deal between Tavares - who becomes an unrestricted free agent on July 1 - and the Islanders could reportedly happen quickly. However, if contracts talks stall, he will have the opportunity to consider options during his interview period, Dreger adds.

Over the last few weeks, general manager Lou Lamoriello has been meeting with Tavares and has outlined his vision for the Islanders' future, according to Dreger.

There will certainly be no shortage of teams throwing their name in the ring to try and sign Tavares if he does indeed hit the open market. The advantage the Islanders have is that they can offer him an eight-year extension, whereas outside clubs can only offer as much as a seven-year contract.

Tavares is coming off a six-year, $33-million deal and is in line for a raise that is likely to be in the $10 million annually range. This past season was his second-most productive in terms of offense, which saw the 27-year-old post 37 goals and 84 points in 82 games.

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Oilers, Caggiula agree to terms on 2-year contract

The Edmonton Oilers have agreed to a two-year contract with forward Drake Caggiula, the team announced Thursday.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

In his second year with the team, the 23-year-old posted career highs in both goals and points with 13 and 20, respectively, in 67 games.

Caggiula just completed a two-year, $2.7-million contract and was set to become a restricted free agent on July 1.

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Bruins eyeing Kovalchuk as possible Nash replacement

Add the Boston Bruins to the list of clubs interested in Ilya Kovalchuk.

After spending the past five seasons in the KHL, the 35-year-old Russian free agent wants to return to the NHL. While he can't officially sign until July 1, Kovalchuk has already drawn interest from a number of suitors, including the Los Angeles Kings and San Jose Sharks, while the Bruins are the latest club to throw their hat into the ring.

"I've been in contact with (Kovalchuk's) group," Bruins general manager Don Sweeney told Matt Porter of the Boston Globe. "For obvious reasons - about 230 pounds and still scores goals. He is 35, so you have to factor that in, but he brings a lot to the table.

"I hope he looks at (the Bruins) and says, 'That's a team I'd be interested in.' He indicated that, but you know, until I get a chance to sit with him, I won't know that exactly."

Sweeney added that if the Bruins come to terms with Kovalchuk, it would mark the end of Rick Nash's short tenure in Boston, as the team's lineup can't accommodate both veteran wingers.

"It would have to be either/or, it can't be both," Sweeney said.

The Bruins acquired Nash from the New York Rangers at this year's trade deadline, parting with Ryan Spooner, Ryan Lindgren, Matt Beleskey, their first-round pick in the coming draft, and a seventh-rounder in 2019.

However, Nash battled injuries throughout his time with the Bruins, appearing in just 11 regular-season contests and another dozen playoff games. The 33-year-old is coming off an eight-year contract that carried a $7.8-million cap hit.

As for Kovalchuk, he signed a 15-year, $100-million deal with the New Jersey Devils in 2010, but walked away after just three seasons for the KHL, effectively terminating his contract. The Devils retained his rights up until this summer.

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Flyers don’t intend to pursue free agent Kovalchuk

Ilya Kovalchuk is eyeing an NHL return, but it won't be with the Philadelphia Flyers.

At a media availability Thursday, Flyers general manager Ron Hextall told reporters, including Sam Carchidi of The Philadelphia Inquirer, the team is interested in signing free agents to short-term agreements. Then he added that Philadelphia has no plans to speak with Kovalchuk's representatives, according to Adam Kimelman of NHL.com.

Kovalchuk, who has spent the past five seasons in the KHL, is prepared to return to the NHL now that he's an unrestricted free agent. His rights were held by the New Jersey Devils prior to this offseason, but now that he's over age 35, Kovalchuk is free to sign with any team.

Related: Devils haven't held talks with free agent Kovalchuk

The Los Angeles Kings and San Jose Sharks are among the teams that have held discussions with Kovalchuk, while the New York Rangers also checked in on the Russian winger.

Kovalchuk can't officially sign until July 1. He scored 63 points in 53 games with the KHL's St. Petersburg SKA last season.

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Team-by-team draft needs: Western Conference edition

When you boil it down, there are two ways to approach the NHL draft. Teams can pick the best player available, or draft to fill an organizational need. Most draft pundits feel taking the former approach is the smartest way to build a strong, deep prospect pool. Some teams, however, disagree.

If every team drafted purely to fill an organizational need in 2018, what kind of player would they be seeking?

After breaking down the Eastern Conference on Tuesday, here's a look at the Western Conference. Note: For some of these teams, "need" is relative to their prospect pool and not a commentary on whether that pool is strong or weak from a larger perspective.

Anaheim Ducks

Pick Nos. 23, 54, 79, 85, 116, 147, 178

With their first pick falling at 23rd, toward the end of the first round, the Ducks should target one of the skilled, intelligent defensemen remaining on the board. Their forward prospect pool is in good shape comparatively, and it’s possible they’ll find someone who can make an impact – someone like Alexander Alexeyev.

In addition to their first-round pick, the Ducks have the 54th, 79th, and 85th selections. It would serve them well to use one of those third-rounders on a goaltender, given their current goaltending depth. Depending on how other teams’ picks shake out, Jakub Skarek could still be on the board.

Arizona Coyotes

Pick Nos. 5, 55, 65, 73, 74, 158, 189

Like many of their fellow Western Conference teams, the Coyotes are noticeably thin on the wing. One solution to this is to take a center and shift him over to the wing. But if there's an option to draft a talented winger, why not do it? If the Coyotes are drafting for need at fifth overall, someone like Oliver Wahlstrom will be tempting.

Arizona also holds the 55th pick at the end of the second round and then picks 65, 73, and 74 in the third round. At 55th, selecting a right-handed defenseman like Jett Woo would be wise. There’s a pretty good chance the Coyotes won’t use all three of their third-rounders, but if they keep No. 65, winger Sampo Ranta might still be around.

Calgary Flames

Pick Nos. 105, 108, 167, 198

The Flames don’t have a pick until the fourth round when they select 105th overall. That’s less than ideal, and it’s difficult to project how picks so far down the draft order will develop. There’s a decent chance the Flames make a trade between now and then for a first- or second-round pick, and we’re going to operate on the assumption they do.

In this hypothetical post-trade scenario, we’ll assume the Flames get a mid-to-late pick in the first round and a mid-round pick in the second. Players who fit Calgary's needs – wingers who can score – available at those picks could include Grigori Denisenko in the first round and Jesse Ylonen in the second.

Chicago Blackhawks

Pick Nos. 8, 27, 69, 87, 120, 142, 162, 193

At first glance, the Blackhawks’ defensive depth looks solid – but looks can be deceiving, and quantity does not equal quality. Aside from standout Henri Jokiharju and college players Ian Mitchell and Chad Krys, no names in Chicago's defensive pool stand out.

The Blackhawks pick eighth and 27th in the first round and aren't on the board again until 69th in the third round. If they focus solely on their defensive need, at eighth the Hawks should take whoever is available among Evan Bouchard, Quinn Hughes, Noah Dobson, or Adam Boqvist. At 27th, options could include K’Andre Miller or Rasmus Sandin.

Colorado Avalanche

Pick Nos.16, 47, 58, 78, 109, 140, 171, 202

Outside of their NHL right wingers (a skilled group led by Mikko Rantanen), the Avalanche are noticeably thin in that area. Additionally, most of the prospects who play other forward positions and can be used at right wing don’t exactly inspire confidence. It’s time for Colorado to reinforce that group.

The Avalanche hold the 16th, 47th, and 58th picks. Wingers available at No. 16 could include Vitali Kravtsov or Martin Kaut. In the second round, the Avalanche should target players like Dmitry Zavgorodniy or Ranta.

Dallas Stars

Pick Nos. 13, 44, 75, 100, 106, 137, 168, 199

It’s difficult to have too many complaints about the Stars’ prospect pool. It contains impressive names like Miro Heiskanen, Riley Tufte, and Jason Robertson, and the Texas Stars, the team’s AHL affiliate, are playing for the Calder Cup.

So if we get picky, one skill the Stars should draft for is speed. Bolstering the speed of their prospects leads to the opportunity to develop more players who can hang with the team’s marquee names.

The Stars hold pick No. 13 in the first round and select 44th in the second. Pursuing a forward like Joel Farabee in the first round and a defenseman like Calen Addison in the second will considerably improve the speed among Dallas’ young depth pieces.

Edmonton Oilers

Pick Nos. 10, 40, 71, 133, 164, 195

The Oilers need to stop wasting their contract spots on middling, supposedly reliable former college players, and instead invest in fast and skilled prospects. No player signed by the Oilers over the past month will grow into the kind of player who can keep up with Connor McDavid. It's time to draft more players like Kailer Yamamoto, and fewer who prompt headlines like “(Player Name) Is A Good Depth Signing.”

Edmonton owns the 10th and 40th picks in the first two rounds. At 10th, a center like Jesperi Kotkaniemi would fit well, and there are reports the Oilers are interested in him. If Kotkaniemi isn’t available, Joe Veleno would be a suitable fallback option with his blazing speed. And at 40th, if center Aidan Dudas is still unclaimed, the Oilers should roll the dice.

Los Angeles Kings

Pick Nos. 20, 51, 82, 113, 144, 165, 175

The Kings are short on wingers, and this year's draft has plenty of promise at that position. Los Angeles needs to steer its focus away from larger players and has moved in a better direction there recently. Size shouldn’t be a priority because that's limiting.

The Kings hold pick No. 20 in the first round and select 51st in the second. In the first round, wingers like Dominik Bokk or Grigori Denisenko may be available. In the second, their options could be Jonatan Berggren (who can also play center) or Matej Pekar.

Minnesota Wild

Pick Nos. 24, 63, 86, 92, 148, 155, 179, 210

The Wild’s starting goaltender situation is in good hands, as Devan Dubnyk had another solid season in the Minnesota net. But beyond him Minnesota's goaltending depth is shallow.

The Wild pick at 24th, then not again until the top of the third round at 63. Fortunately for them, a solid goaltender should still be available at 63rd – someone like Alexis Gravel of the Halifax Mooseheads, for example. At 24th, the Wild would be better off selecting a skilled forward like Bokk or Ryan McLeod, if either is available.

Nashville Predators

Pick Nos. 89, 111, 131, 151, 213

The Predators are deep down the middle. While some of those centers can switch to wing, that doesn’t solve the problem of Nashville's shallow winger pool, especially because it's unlikely many of those prospects will make an impact in the NHL.

There’s one problem, however: The Predators' first pick doesn't come until the end of the third round at 89th overall.

If David Poile trades for a first-round pick, the Predators will have options to draft a skilled winger. If their first pick remains at 89th, they could be looking at someone like Johnny Gruden from the USA Hockey National Team Development Program.

San Jose Sharks

Pick Nos. 21, 114, 145, 176, 182, 207

The Sharks are lucky the early rounds of this draft will feature many high-ceiling defensemen. Their prospect pool does not, and it’s difficult to identify any young Sharks defensemen capable of making a serious impact at the NHL level. Smart puck-movers should be a priority this year.

The Sharks pick 21st, then don’t select again until 114th in the fourth round. There’s no telling who will still be on the board in the fourth round, which puts the pressure on that 21st pick, assuming San Jose doesn't acquire others.

Good options are Miller or Bode Wilde. Who knows, the Sharks might even get lucky and see skilled WHLer Ty Smith fall down the board due to his size.

St. Louis Blues

Pick Nos. 29, 45, 76, 107, 138, 169, 200

The Blues are another team thin on wingers who can be relied on to make a splash at the NHL level. Jordan Kyrou is capable, and he should be in the NHL next season.

The Blues select 29th in the first round and 45th in the second. Serron Noel could be around at 29th, and clearly, the Blues have done well with OHLers in recent years (see: Robert Thomas, in addition to Kyrou). In the second round, options may include Ylonen or Niklas Nordgren.

Vancouver Canucks

Pick Nos. 7, 37, 68, 130, 161, 192

What do the Canucks need? What don’t the Canucks need? While they have some very good players in their system – look no further than Elias Pettersson – Vancouver could add high-octane prospects on defense. The seventh overall pick allows them to do that this year, as at least one of Bouchard, Dobson, or Quinn Hughes should be available.

The Canucks also pick near the top of the second round at 37th, where Jonathan Tychonick may also be up for grabs. If he is, Vancouver shouldn’t hesitate – he has first-round talent but could fall due to playing in the BCHL. Jared McIsaac may also be available.

Vegas Golden Knights

Pick Nos. 61, 99, 115, 135, 154, 180, 185

The Golden Knights are in a unique position. Their prospect pool is just getting started, so they need depth everywhere. We saw their goalie depth in action this season when Dylan Ferguson briefly left the WHL to see some NHL ice time. Puck-Moving defensemen and dynamic wingers are what Vegas should focus on this year.

Barring a trade for a first-round selection, the Golden Knights hold picks 61, 99, and 115 to get started. A defenseman like Calen Addison may still be around at 61, but the Vegas scouting staff needs to dig deep to find wingers with potential.

Winnipeg Jets

Pick Nos. 60, 91, 150, 153, 184, 215

A quick look at a Jets depth chart shows they’re lighter on the wing than at center and defense. There are many skilled wingers available this year, but the Jets are another team without a first-round pick. That makes their task difficult, but not impossible.

Barring a trade, their first pick won't come until No. 60, the end of the second round, followed by pick 91 at the end of the third. Wingers available at the end of the second round could include Cole Fonstad or Zavgorodniy.

Hannah Stuart keeps a close eye on both drafted and draft-eligible prospects and can usually be found trying to learn more about hockey analytics. She has previously written for FanRag Sports, The Hockey Writers, and Hooked On Hockey Magazine, and can also be found at High Heels and High Sticks. Find her on Twitter at @HockeyWthHannah.

(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)

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Leafs announce Newfoundland Growlers as new ECHL affiliate

The Toronto Maple Leafs have agreed to a new East Coast Hockey League affiliation with the newly founded Newfoundland Growlers, the team announced Thursday.

The ECHL is two levels below the NHL, and a step below the American Hockey League (AHL).

The Orlando Solar Bears had served as Toronto's ECHL affiliate for the last five years.

"We are excited to begin our relationship with the Newfoundland Growlers as our newest ECHL affiliate," Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas said. "This is an important investment for our hockey club as we remain committed to giving our players the best resources possible to ensure their development and professional success. To now have our ECHL affiliate in St. John's, Newfoundland, a town and province which has historically meant a lot to the Maple Leafs, is a truly special opportunity."

The younger generation of Leafs fans only knows the Toronto Marlies as the club's AHL affiliate, but from 1991-2005, the St. John's Maple Leafs served in that role.

Meanwhile, the Growlers explained the meaning behind their primary logo, a Newfoundland dog, last month:

"A large working dog who is known for their size, strength, intelligence, and loyalty. The dog in the logo is fierce and stoic to represent the pride and resilience of our province, and our reputation of never backing down from a challenge."

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Lightning optimistic about extending Yzerman beyond next season

The Tampa Bay Lightning want the Steve Yzerman era to continue.

The Lightning general manager is set to enter the ninth and final season of his contract in 2018-19, but team owner Jeff Vinik remains optimistic that he'll ink "Stevie Y" to an extension as soon as this offseason, according to Joe Smith of The Athletic.

Based on Yzerman's comments, it doesn't appear that it will be a long negotiation, either.

"Working for Jeff has been fantastic," Yzerman told Smith. "It's a tremendous position and I'm grateful to have it."

Yzerman is the NHL's sixth-longest-serving GM after being hired in May 2010. Prior to joining the Lightning, he spent four seasons as the vice president of hockey operations with the Detroit Red Wings.

Since arriving in Tampa Bay, Yzerman has transformed the Lightning into a perennial contender, with one Stanley Cup Final appearance and three other trips to the third round of the postseason.

The Lightning also boast an impressive roster that Yzerman has neatly packed under the salary cap by giving team-friendly extensions to the likes of Steven Stamkos ($68 million over eight years) and Victor Hedman ($63 million over eight years), among other deals.

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