East Notes: Zadina, Faulk, Murray, Gaborik

While there was some speculation that Detroit’s top pick at the draft, winger Filip Zadina, was eligible to play in the AHL next season, notes Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press.  It was originally believed that Zadina was on loan to Halifax of the QMJHL which would have made him eligible to play in the minors.  However, that does not appear to be the case which makes him subject to the usual rules for CHL draftees that restricts him from going to the AHL until he turns 20.  Naturally, the Red Wings are hopeful that this is all for naught and that he makes the team in a full-time role in training camp.  If that doesn’t happen, however, then he’ll be heading back to the Mooseheads.

Elsewhere in the East:

• In his latest 31 Thoughts podcast (audio link), Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman links the Red Wings as a team that has shown interest in Hurricanes defenseman Justin Faulk. Detroit is certainly in need of some more skill on their back end while Faulk has become an even likelier candidate to be moved following Carolina’s acquisition of Dougie Hamilton back at the draft.
• Blue Jackets defenseman Ryan Murray was one of the few arbitration-eligible players who opted not to file for salary arbitration. Aaron Portzline of The Athletic reports (Twitter link) that there haven’t been any contract discussions with the 24-year-old.  While his decision not to file leaves him open for an offer sheet, that’s still a very unlikely scenario given how few of those get handed out.
• Part of the reason the Senators didn’t buy out winger Marian Gaborik during the first window last month is that he has yet to be declared fully recovered from his back injury, reports Postmedia’s Bruce Garrioch. However, Ottawa will have another window to do so later this summer thanks to defenceman Cody Ceci and winger Mark Stone filing for arbitration.  The window will open up for 48 hours once both players have signed.