[sureLoss]

Friedman's 30 thoughts:
http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/3...ng-to-heat-up/

Toronto’s let it be known it will take salary back for Phil Kessel, but there is a limit. It’s got to be less (in term and value) than Kessel’s. The Maple Leafs are more interested in prospects and draft picks, but recognize that alone won’t get a deal done. Since the idea is to help create cap flexibility, it doesn’t make sense to receive a similar contract in return.

Whatever happens with Dubnyk, no one would be surprised if the Wild go for a goalie or two in the draft. It’s an organizational need. Same for Philadelphia. Expectation is the Flyers are interested in bolstering that position.

As for Cam Talbot, the toughest thing preventing the Rangers from getting the best possible price for him is that he’s on a one-year contract with free agency beckoning. Under CBA rules, he cannot be extended until Jan. 1, 2016. If teams knew they could do it in July, you could get permission to talk to him and have an idea of what you’re looking at. That’s not possible. He’s still good value. But this gives the acquiring team less control.

Ducks GM Bob Murray wouldn’t comment, but word is he’s getting other GMs asking if the way the Western Conference final ended changed his long-term feeling about Frederik Andersen. Whatever the case, the cost would be steep, since the Ducks don’t need to address the Andersen/John Gibson contract situation for another year.

Skinner’s name is out there, I think, because, unlike some of his teammates, he does not have no-trade protection. His cap hit is $5.725M. He’s 23, one year removed from a 33-goal season. Health is a concern, but he has played 190 of Carolina’s past 212 games. You can see why other teams would query. Former GM Jim Rutherford did explore the market on Skinner at least once.

Another Hurricane rumour is the club would consider packaging Alexander Semin with the fifth overall pick to get his contract off the books. History suggests that is very unlikely. Last year, Calgary said it would acquire Cam Ward as long as the seventh selection was included with it. GM Ron Francis declined. As much as the organization would love to move Semin, this draft pick is way too important to give away in a salary dump. It’s got to be a significant, legit hockey trade if at all.

The Blackhawks are asking a lot for their best pieces. Some teams will try to wait them out, for sure. The prices may drop. But, what Stan Bowman knows is the more the prices drop, more contenders enter the race for a player or players. He’s hoping someone decides they need a Patrick Sharp or whoever and moves to ensure it happens.

Also some stuff on Lucic, ROR, Okposo and others.