- George Richards: Panthers GM Dale Tallon is confident that they will sign RFA Jonathan Huberdeau before the start of training camp.
- Arthur Staple: There no update on contract talks with RFA Brock Nelson and Islanders. Staple suggests that Steve Bernier, with the team on a PTO, could be insurance in case Nelson and the Islanders can’t agree on a new contract.
- Kevin Kurz of CSN Bay Area: Last year, Nikolay Goldobin’s agent, Igor Larionov, told GM Doug Wilson that Goldobin wasn’t quite ready for the NHL. Wilson agreed. This year could be different as Goldobin has put on weight and might be ready to make the jump. He might be slotted to start the year in the AHL, but if he has a good training camp, or start in the AHL, he could see time with the Sharks at some point.
- Randy Miller of NJ.com: Devils forward Ryane Clowe announced that he won’t attempt to play again due to concussions.
“I medically am not cleared to play,” Clowe said. “Since the last injury (early last season), I tried to work my way back.
“Of course I want to play again and it just didn’t work out, and I’m not able to play again. It’s just not possible and it won’t be possible moving forward.”
Clowe had three years and $14.55 million left on his deal.
“He’ll be on IR,” Devils GM Ray Shero said. “That will be just procedure with the league. He’ll just stay on IR for the next three years.”
- Chad Graff of the Pioneer Press: Jordan Leopold would okay if his NHL career is over, but he’s still hoping to play this year. He isn’t getting any phone calls. He’ll start full-time training in case a team comes calling.
“I’m not counting on hockey,” said Leopold, 35. “Given this stage of my career, the opportunity would probably come in October, November or December if a defenseman were to get hurt long term.”
- Tim Panaccio of CSN Philly: Everyone in Philadelphia has been given a clean slate by new head coach Dave Hakstol, including Vincent Lecavalier who has amped up is offseason training.
“I’m excited,” Lecavalier said. “I believe I worked as hard as I could this summer on ice. I started earlier. I used to skate twice a week. Then three times. But I started right away going four times a week to really get back in that groove.”
This will be Lecavalier’s third season with the Flyers after signing a five year, $22.5 million deal. The Flyers have been trying to trade him since last summer. Coach Hakstol is unsure of what position Lecavalier will play, and on what line.
- Andy Stickland: David Backes will be getting a strong look on the wing at the Blues training camp.
- Florida Panthers PR: Martin Havlat will be attending the Panthers training camp on a PTO.