Duchene’s number going up?

Pierre LeBrun: (after Kevin Hayes‘ seven-year $7.14 million per extension with the Flyers) Can see Matt Duchene getting in the $9.5 to $10 million per season range.

Darren Dreger: Early speculation has Matt Duchene around $9.5 million, and that might be a conservative number.

Brodie’s trade return for the Flames may be set

Brian Costello: After the San Jose Sharks got a 2nd and 3rd round pick for defenseman Justin Braun, have to think that the Calgary Flames might be able to get two second-round picks at least for defenseman T.J. Brodie.

Dallas Stars – likely not buyouts … Notes on some UFAs, RFAs and potential free agent targets

Sean Shapiro of The Athletic: There had been some speculation that the Dallas Stars could look at buying out forward Valeri Nichushkin.

“Right now, nothing we are definitely looking at,” Nill said. “But does something fall in our lap where we need to create space or something? That would give us flexibility over the next two weeks, but we’ll see. But right now, not looking at anything like that.”

It was reported last week by Elliotte Friedman the Stars and Mats Zuccarello would like to get a deal done but the sides are playing a bit of chicken in contract talks.

Unrestricted free agents Marc Methot and Jason Spezza won’t be back, but they haven’t ruled out Ben Lovejoy or Taylor Fedun.

Pending right-handed UFA defenseman Anton Stralman has been linked to the Stars. The same can be said for left-handed Jake Gardiner.

The Stars haven’t had any contract talks with RFA forward Jason Dickinson.

The Stars could consider moving back in the draft for additional picks.