NHL rumors: van Riemsdyk, Shattenkirk, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Washington Capitals

Will James van Riemsdyk and Kevin Shattenkirk need to sign PTOs?

Andrew Fantucchio of Boston Hockey Now: Two 35-year-olds, forward James van Riemsdyk and defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk, signed.

van Riemsdyk had a one-year, $1 million contract and had 11 goals and 27 assists for the Boston Bruins last season. Shattenkirk signed a $1.05 million contract and played in 61 games.

It's surprising that they remain unregistered but most teams don't have room to play. They may have to sign PTOs to get into someone's training camp.

NHL News: Oscar Klefbom Retires, and Jani Hakanpaa in Stars jersey?

The Blue Jackets are approaching RFA

Aaron Portzline: It sounds like Columbus Blue Jackets forward and RFA forward Cole Sillinger is nearing a two-year deal.

Things have been quiet in all NHL trade talks with Patrik Laine

Aaron Portzline: Getting the sense that trade talks involving Blue Jackets forward Patrik Laine don't have much traction at this point. That can always change with one phone call.

Patrik Laine doesn't make sense for the Washington Capitals at this point

Sammi Silber of Hockey News: The Washington Capitals added some offense this offseason in Pierre-Luc Dubois and Jakob Chychrun, but some wonder if they're looking to add more, especially Columbus Blue Jackets Patrik Laine.

Given the current state of the Capitals and the uncertainty of TJ Oshie's status this season, it may not make sense for the Capitals to pick up his $8.7 million cap hit. Of course the Blue Jackets can save salary but the Caps don't have much to work with.

NHL Rumors: Columbus Wants To Make Hockey Trade Involving Patrik Laine

They expect to know more about Oshie's situation as training camp approaches, so it would be wise to hold off on the Laine trade talk for now. Connor McMichael is likely to move from one wing to another this year given the number of centers they have, adding a variety of players to the mix. Oshie on LTIR is the only way (barring injury) the spot is open.