TSN: Pierre LeBrun on Tim Thomas: The Bruins may look to trade him when his no-trade clause expires, but Thomas may also be considering not playing next year, taking a year off. He’s had a stressful year. Darren Dreger on Roberto Luongo: GM Mike Gillis will meet with Luongo this week to see if his views have changed for his future. There has been interest for Luongo but there is an equal chance they don’t do anything and he remains a Canuck. Pierre LeBrun on Tomas Vokoun: The Leafs could still look at Luongo. but UFA Vokoun or trading for Anders Lindback may be more likely. Vokoun turned down a KHL offer, and LeBrun thinks that Vokoun sees a fit in Toronto. Bob McKenzie on Flyers: Vokoun may be an option for Flyers as well. The Flyers may not think Sergei Bobrovsky has enough experience needed to be Ilya Bryzgalov’s backup. Bob McKenzie on Canadiens coaching search: The Canadiens search is likely down to Michel Therrien and Marc Crawford. Darren Dreger on Calagry: You don’t hire a coach like Hartley if you’re going to trade away veteran players like Jarome Iginla. Darren Dreger on Capitals coaching search: The Capitals could hire their new coach from within the organization, with Dean Evason and Jim Johnson as strong candidates. Pierre LeBrun on Jordan Staal: The Penguins have had calls regarding Staal’s availability, but they may be still hoping to re-sign him and Sidney Crosby to contract extensions. If they can’t get both deals done, then Staal could go on the market. Bob McKenzie on Justin Schultz: It’s going to be hard for the Ducks to make a deal involving Schultz. He’s trying to make it happen and there are many teams that are interested in him if he becomes a UFA. McKenzie thinks the Canucks, Maple Leafs and Oilers are extremely interested. It’s going to be hard for the Ducks to get anything for him, and will likely hit free agency.
Michael Russo of the Star-Tribune: With Nicklas Lidstrom retiring, it may “throw a wrinkle” into the Wild’s plan to pursue Ryan Suter if he becomes an unrestricted free agent. The Red Wings are now expected to pursue Suter as well. The Wings can’t talk to him, but he has to know there is a spot for him there if he’s interested. The Predators have a tendency to trade UFAs that won’t re-sign with them, and they have past of doing so with the Flyers. The Flyers are also interested in Suter. Guillaume Latendresse tweeted: “Doc send me home saying that im at 100% and better than before my concussion, he predict my best season haha really exciting.” Latendresse will be a RFA and requires a $2.5 million qualifying offer, which doesn’t look like will happen. They may try to re-sign him at different number.
Ken Wiebe of the Winnipeg Sun: Jets defenseman Tobias Enstrom has a cap hit of $3.75 million next season in the last year of his deal, and will be looking for a nice raise on his next deal. Wiebe isn’t suggesting that the Jets are or will be putting him on the trade block, but they’ll likely have to listen to offers when teams come calling. Enstrom could bring back a top 6 forward that they are looking for. The Jets have Dustin Byfuglien under contract at a $5.2 million cap hit until 2015-16 and Zach Bogosian will be a RFA at the end of next season. Paul Postma was an AHL all-star and is ready for NHL duty.
Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Senators Daniel Alfredsson indicated at the World Championships that he may have played his last game in a Senators uniform. He has one year left on his deal at $1 million.
