- From the RDS, through translation: Ilya Kovalchuk could be close to signing a 9 year deal with the Thrashers for more than $100 million, averaging $11.3 million per season. We’ll write a separate blog to comment on this.
- James Murphy of NESN: If the Thrashers are unable to sign Kovalchuk, the Bruins might be a fit. The trading of Kobasew and the with Lucic and Savard on the IR, it has saved the club some much valued cap space. They also have lot of draft picks to dangle.
- Elliotte Friedman of CBCSports.ca: Has Jaroslav Halak taken over the goalie of the future for the Canadiens? Are the Canadiens playing Halak more lately in an attempt to motivate Price.
- A quote mentioned in the Friedman’s blog (link above) … Ilya Bryzgalov on being named NHL first star of the week. “I don’t care,” according to the Arizona Republic. “I don’t like to run in front of the train because the train at some point can run over you.”
- Jason Hendricks of HendricksHockey.com: From one the Hockey Insiders sources, the Canadiens and Oilers could be looking a trade. The Oilers like Tomas Plekanec, Andrei Kostitsyn, and Kyle Chipchura. The Canadiens like Tom Gilbert, Denis Grebeshkov, & J.F. Jacques.
- Damien Cox of the Toronto Star: There is a chance the Maple Leafs may look to trade Tomas Kaberle again. Dallas and Boston will be mentioned again as possible destinations.
- Wayne Fish of the Bucks County Courier Times (via Phillyburbs): Surgery was recommended for Simon Gagne’s 2 sports hernias, so he’s seeking a second opinion, though it sounds like surgery is the only option to fix the problem.
- Tampa Bay Tribune: A potential buyer for the Tampa Bay Lightning, Jeff Greene, is no longer interested in buying the club. So this leaves 2 Florida franchises that are having trouble finding an owner.