NHL Rumors: Nashville Predators, Philadelphia Flyers, and Columbus Blue Jackets

Yaroslav Askarov is asking the Nashville Predators for a trade

Kevin Weekes: Nashville Predators goaltender Yaroslav Askarov has told the team that he will not report to their AHL team and would like to be traded.

If the Philadelphia Flyers wanted to give a sheet to someone…

Jonathan Bailey of Philadelphia Hockey Now: If the Philadelphia Flyers are looking to go down the offer sheet road like the St. Louis Blues, Columbus Blue Jackets center Cole Sillinger could be an option.

NHL Rumors: Montreal Canadiens, and Toronto Maple Leafs

Columbus Blue Jackets GM on Cole Sillinger and Patrik Laine

Mark Scheig of The Hockey Writers: Interview with Columbus Blues Jackets GM Don Waddell.

Wadell was asked about the status of RFA forward Cole Sillinger.

“Yes, we are really close. His agent has been great, there has been a lot of talk going on, all positive talk. We are all within striking distance. It's just a matter of them having the position, we have it and there is no doubt in my mind that it will be fine.”

Wadell said he hasn't talked to Patrik Laine, but head coach Dean Evason and Laine have stressed he'd like to start over elsewhere.

Waddell when asked if he sees the situation where Laine starts the year with the team.

“He's a Blue Jacket today and as we speak, I don't have anything (news) that interests me, but I haven't had to make a decision yet. Some teams just did their homework and tried to talk to Patrick and his agent and he thought about giving full permission to talk to the teams. So, but as we speak (Thursday afternoon 8/15), I don't have anything on the table that would make any sense for the Blue Jackets to make that deal. “

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Waddell added that Laine's camp is allowed to talk to other teams, and there have been situations where a player would like to be traded, they still need to find a team that wants to trade for him and is willing to agree on a price.