Hockey Night in Canada: Saturday's Headlines

Damien Cox and Elliotte Friedman were in studio in the second intermission of the Bruins - Leafs Hockey Night in Canada game.

Cox: Spoke with Tim Leiweke. Still working on six projects. Doubt he'll be here past the end of this calendar year.

Friedman: "I had a chance to speak to Eric Staal yesterday in Edmonton and he says a lot of the talk of his future is extremely premature. He hopes to be back Tuesday in Vancouver. He doesn't believe the season is over for Carolina. Hopes to make a difference. He said he sat down this summer with Ron Francis, the new GM, and said he wants to be a member of the Hurricanes long-term. The only qualifier he left is if there's a new owner and they want a change in direction. That might change his future."

Cox: Sabres want Nikita Zadorov to go back to London eventually. He wants to go to Russia and play. "If he doesn't sign the transfer to go to London, he can go back to Russia. This is the most confusing set of rules and regulations that anyone can imagine." We know that Sam Reinhart likely will be headed back to the WHL.

Friedman: Feeling is Oilers will keep Leon Draisaitl past 10 games. They're more concerned about 40 games, which would cost them a year toward free agency. 

Friedman: Belief is Flyers offered a two-way contract to Ryan Whitney. He's in the KHL now and the word is he plans to stay for the time being. "There is also a belief they have some interest in Oilers defenceman Jeff Petry. The Oilers say there's been no contact between the two teams, but when Philly has more room in the cap, Damien, that might be one to watch."

Cox: New Jersey Devils have 18 straight shootout losses. 

Friedman: Team Canada presented Steven Stamkos with a gold medal ring on Thursday. He couldn't play in the Olympics because he was injured.

Cox: Marc-Edouard Vlasic had his own personal tribute to Cpl. Nathan Cirillo on his hockey stick.

Source: HNIC/ Notes, Transcript: Nichols On Hockey