Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning Stars: The Dallas Stars are paying half of Sean Avery’s salary still, even with Rangers sending him to the minors. But they have been told by the NHL that while Avery is in the minors, Avery’s $1.9 million cap hit won’t count against their cap. The Stars may have to add a player to bring their cap number above the salary floor of $48.3 million. GM Joe Nieuwfendyk doesn’t know what the penalty is if they go below the floor.
“It’s not an issue yet, but we want to take care of it,” Nieuwendyk said. “It could force some tough decisions going forward, but that’s just part of the game.”
Eric Francis of the Calgary Herald: One GM who has wanted no-touch icing for years: “it will pass now (at the GMs rules meeting in March) — the public pressure is too great.” One GM said to get rid of the trapezoid so goalies can save their teammates. Most players that Francis has talked to would like to see a hybrid icing rule at the very least. Any talk of that the Leafs are interested in Sam Gagner is false. Burke even emailed Oilers GM Steve Tambellini saying the Gagner talk never came from him.
Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Oilers winger Ryan Smyth was practicing at center yesterday as Eric Belanger was “under the weather.” Ryan Whitney and Ben Eager are likely out, Ladislav Smid is likely in.
Mike Chambers of the Denver Post: Kyle Cumiskey cleared waivers and then was traded by the Avalanche to the Ducks for defenseman Jake Newton and a conditional pick.
Josh Yohe via twitter: Penguins Evgeni Malkin appears to have a minor injury, coach Bylsma said he is sore.
Bob McKenzie via twitter: No disciplinary action is expected for Devils Brad Mills for his hit on Flyers Jakub Vorachek. NHL said Vorachek turned “immediately prior or simultaneously.”
Bob McKenzie via twitter: Flames Cory Sarich’s hit on Penguins Matt Cooke was deemed a “full body” hit with incidental contact to the head.
CBC Hockey Night in Canada Hotstove link: