Craig Berube has spoken to a few NHL clubs about a role as an assistant coach, according to Flyers general manager Ron Hextall.
Hextall gave teams permission to speak to Berube, who has one year left on his contract, last month.
“Chief wants to coach and he’s looking to see what’s around,” Hextall said. “Further than that, we haven’t had any discussions.”
Hextall said several clubs have talked to Berube.
“I’d rather not talk yet about this,” Berube said Friday.
Berube, who will attend the draft, will talk to other clubs there.
Del Zotto talks
Hextall said he still intends to re-sign defenseman Michael Del Zotto, who is a restricted free agent, but there’s been little progress in the discussions.
NHL
“We’re chugging along at a slow pace,” he said, adding that the signing of Russian defenseman Evgeni Medvedev has no impact with re-signing Del Zotto.
Hextall said neither party wants to go to arbitration, which could happen come June 29.
Other contracts
Hextall also said talks continue about re-signing forwards Chris VandeVelde and Ryan White and even goalie Rob Zepp. As for goalie Ray Emery, Hextall said he wants to gauge the free-agent market to find a replacement, but hasn’t cut all ties just yet with Emery.
Hextall said his top priority this summer was finding a “skilled forward,” particularly one who might be able to play with Wayne Simmonds, who needs to increase his scoring production at even strength.
Half (14) of Simmonds’ goals this season came on the power play. In fact, almost half of his points (24 of 50) were on the power play, as well.