Dmitry Kulikov

In advance of tonight’s first round of the draft, many prominent defensemen have seen their name involved in trade speculation in recent days.  Here is the latest on who may or may not be on the move.

• P.K. Subban was in the spotlight yesterday as trade talks reportedly picked up. However, Pierre LeBrun of TSN/ESPN doesn’t believe that there’s a deal out there that the Canadiens are willing to make, at least at this time.  Subban’s no-movement clause kicks in on July 1st and the speculation likely won’t entirely die down until then.
• The Florida Panthers are fielding plenty of offers for Dmitry Kulikov according to George Richards of the Miami Herald. He adds that picks and players are being discussed as a possible return.  TVA Sports’ Renaud Lavoie adds that Boston is a team that continues to show interest in the 25 year old.  Kulikov has one year left on his contract with a $4.33M cap hit.  Richards also notes that the Panthers are also talking about an extension with Kulikov so a trade is far from certain.  Adrian Dater of Bleacher Report suggests the Avalanche could be in the mix as well as they have been trying to get him for years.
• The Montreal Canadiens are another team showing interest in Ducks D Cam Fowler, reports TSN’s Darren Dreger. Last night, it was reported that Buffalo and Anaheim were also discussing Fowler, with talks expected to continue today.
• Kevin Shattenkirk’s name continues to come up. Lyle Richardson of The Hockey News notes that the Sabres, Bruins, Flyers, and Rangers have all shown interest.  CSNNE’s Joe Haggerty adds that the expectation is that Shattenkirk would like to sign his next deal (which will begin in 2017-18) out East which could potentially impact his market.   Jimmy Murphy of DW Sports Boston adds the Canadiens and Capitals to the list of interested teams.  One team that has apparently dropped out of the race is the Coyotes who, according to Craig Morgan of Arizona Sports, have turned their attention elsewhere.