My apologies for the less than frequent posts but since the day after the SCF, I've been fighting a sinus infection, which then moved to my chest and now seems to be breaking up. Thankfully it has not been busy.

from Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun,

- Will be interesting to see what happens with former league MVP Taylor Hall when he tests the market. There’s talk in league circles the Arizona Coyotes offered him a long-term deal in the range of $7.5 million per-season. The rumour is his camp wanted something closer to $10 million per-season. If that’s the case, it actually makes sense because Matt Duchene got $9.5 million from the Nashville Predators last summer and Hall would look at that deal as a comparable. There will be lots of interest in Hall.

- So, what’s going to happen to St. Louis D Alex Pietrangelo? Well, he’ll likely go to market and sign elsewhere. The Vegas Golden Knights are considered the frontrunner if they can find a way to clear off money but he’ll want in excess of $9 million per-season. The expectation is before Pietrangelo does move on he may give the Blues one more chance to match the offer he gets elsewhere.

- Many aren’t sure what to expect when free agency does open because of the economic uncertainty surrounding the league. The players at the top are going to get the big money, but many have to wait to see where the market heads. Patience may have to be a virtue for some of these players.

more, including Patrik Laine talk...