Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Phil Kessel is owed a $4 million signing bonus tomorrow. The Leafs may have liked to move him before, but they realize the best trade offer may come after the payment is made.Source said that the Flames kicked tires on Kessel at the draft. The Leafs weren’t willing to retain any salary, but were willing to take back some contracts to lighten the salary/cap hit.LeBrun can’t see the Leafs making a deal without retaining some salary.
Shawn Reis: Phil Kessel can revise his no-trade clause list tomorrow.
Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Though he’s training as if he’s playing next season, Martin St. Louis’s future is still uncertain. It will depend on what teams are interested in and if there is a fit. He’d like to stay in the Eastern Conference as his family is living in Connecticut.
Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: The Penguins have kicked tires on T.J. Oshie, Jeff Skinner, Patrick Sharp and Phil Kessel.
Eric Stephens: The agent for UFA defenseman Francois Beauchemin said that he spoke with the Ducks yesterday and are expected to do so again today.
Darren Dreger: The Bruins first thought was to sign Martin Jones and have him as their backup, but their offer wasn’t better than what the Kings had offered. Jones also wanted a chance to be a starter.
Darren Dreger: Calgary was in on Matt Jones trade talks last night, but pulled out. The threat of an offer sheet encourage the Bruins to move him.
Sean Reynolds: The has been no contract tabled between the Jets and UFA Lee Stempniak, but they like the fit. He will hit the open market and will circle back to the Jets if he gets an offer from another team.
