- Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Thrashers GM Don Waddell is denying reports that contract negotiations with Ilya Kovalchuk are at an impasse are “certainly false”. Kovalchuk’s agent and Waddell will be having a meeting on Saturday. A Russian paper is reporting that the Thrashers rejected a 10 year, $11.5 per season deal, and the might be talking trade with Vancouver and Los Angeles. I’m not sure how much you can believe of the Russian report as the max Ilya can receive is $11.3 million.
- Michael Obernauer of the NY Daily News: Obernauer is reporting that Wade Redden is unhappy with being a healthy scratch last night. Gee Wade, I bet management, coaches and most players are unhappy that you are getting paid an average of $6.5 million a year, and will be for another 4 years.
- Paul Hunter of the Toronto Star: Luke Schenn will make his way from the press box into the Maple Leafs lineup tonight, with Jeff Finger the mostly scratch. Victor Stalberg was recalled from the AHL Marlies, and Jonas Gustavsson will back up Vesa Toskala.
- Mike Harrington of the Buffalo News: The Sens Jarkko Ruutu won’t be suspended for his hit to the head on the Sabres Patrick Kaleta. I think I heard a faint clap around the league when people saw Kaleta on the receiving end of a ‘Kaleta type hit’. You’ll hear a faint clap around the league when someone smokes Ruutu.
- Don Brennan of the Ottawa Sun: Brennan reports Jesse Winchester will be moving in to the #1 center spot between Daniel Alfredsson and Milan Michalek …. Yikes