- Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer: Hurricanes coach Bill Peters said that an immediate need is to “go out and get some D-men.” They could look to some blueliners through free agency, but they might have to turn to the trade route.
Eric Staal has indicated to GM Ron Francis that he would like to remain with the Hurricanes beyond next season. Francis added that he would have contract discussions with Staal this summer. Next year’s budget hasn’t been set, but they should be getting it soon. “We’re going to look at all angles, to fix what we need to fix.”
- Josh Yohe of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: The Penguins don’t plan on trading Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin or Marc-Andre Fleury, unless they wish to play somewhere else. The rest of the roster on the other hand could significantly change.
Kris Letang has indicated that he wants to continue playing, but he’s suffered four concussions in his career to go along with his stroke last year. It’s unknown if he’ll be able to play again.
The 36-year Pascal Dupuis has two years left on his deal and has dealing with career threatening blood clots.Chris Kunitz and Rob Scuderi’s play has steeply declined. Both have multiple years left on their deals and the Penguins may look to unload their salaries.
Craig Adams likely won’t be back and his career could be over.
- Jimmy Murphy: Crazy as this sounds, have been told again that Mike Milbury could be a coaching candidate if Claude Julien is fired.
- Nichols on Hockey: Darren Dreger on TSN 1050 on if Peter Chiarelli would be interested in the Maple Leafs.
“I don’t speak for Pete Chiarelli. Do I think Pete Chiarelli would have interest in the job as defined with the Toronto Maple Leafs? No, I don’t. I don’t. I think that this is a guy that’s used to doing things his way. Not to say that he runs such a ship where it’s his voice and no one else’s matters. That’s not it at all. But I don’t think that Peter Chiarelli has a ton of interest in the dynamic and the structure of how things are in Toronto.
“But maybe that changes. He’s got three years left on his deal as well. So Peter Chiarelli might take some time to breathe, spend some time with his family, just let the dust settle and see what comes his way in the future.”
