- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: There is talk that as many as 10 teams are thinking about their goaltending situation. Among the teams thinking No. 1 goalies are: Flyers, Panthers, Oilers, Capitals, Sabres, Blues, Lightning, Flames, Wild and Islanders.
Names to watch: Ryan Miller (BUF) – one year left on his deal. Coyotes could be a fit. Mike Smith (PHX) – a UFA and uncertainty of organization is keeping him from re-signing. Ray Emery (CHI) – UFA. Won’t get a long-term deal but may get a shot at being a No. 1. Tim Thomas(NYI) – UFA who may get a pro tryout.
Rangers GM Glen Sather is giving Mark Messier serious thought as their new head coach. They are also interested in Alain Vigneault.
Ducks GM Bob Murray is getting calls for Bobby Ryan. They’d like to keep Ryan who has two years left at $5.1 million. The Flyers and Senators have been interested in the past.
There have been no talks between Ron Hainsey and the Jets.
Oilers GM Craig MacTavish has been working the phones and looking for immediate help. Could be willing to move some of their young assets. Talk that they might trade Nail Yakupov to bring back a package.
Alain Vigneault appears to be the top candidate for the Stars, Lindy Ruff for the Canucks.
- Michael Smith of CarolinaHurricanes.com: New Hurricanes logo coming today. The Hurricanes currently sit at No. 5 in this year’s draft. They won’t be trading up, but haven’t ruled out moving back. GM Jim Rutherford will target a top 4 defenseman in free agency or through a trade.
“It’s hard to say. It could come in any manner,” Rutherford said. “It could come in the form of a player that we trade for as a projection who hasn’t done it yet but we think could do it now. It could come in the form of a projection of a (Ryan) Murphy jumping in the top four. It could come many ways, but I do feel that’s an area we have to change.”
- Michael Arace of the Columbus Dispatch: Blue Jackets Sergei Bobrovsky will be a RFA, and it’s possible that his agent is willing to look at offer sheets. The KHL could also offer a pile of money. Talks between Bobrovsky’s agent and the Blue Jackets haven’t gained traction as his agent, Paul Theofanous, wants to wait. Bobrovsky would be worth more if he wins the Vezina and/or gets offer sheet and/or a KHL offer. There is a chance that the KHL money is too much to pass up. Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen has said they will match any offer sheet.
