Bergeron needs medical clearance … Contract talks for Gorges and Markov next … Coaching candidates

Mark Easson

14 years ago

Steve Conroy of the Boston Bruins: Patrice Bergeron just needs medical clearance before he can get back in the Bruins lineup. He took contact at yesterday’s practice, and will take part in this mornings practice before deciding if he’s in or not. He’d most likely center Mark Recchi and Brad Marchand. Shawn Thornton would likely be the odd man out. Tyler Seguin would likely remain with Chris Kelly and Michael Ryder.

Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: If Drew Miller is back with the Red Wings next year or not, it will come down to price. He made $650,000 this past season, and was a valuable penalty killer. He added 10 goals and 8 assists in 67 games. “Hopefully we can work something out. I’d definitely like to stay — I mean, it’s a great organization here. They have a lot of depth, but that’s what happens when you have a good team.”

Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette: The Canadiens now have 3 defenseman under contract for next season, Alexei Yemelin, PK Subban and Jaroslav Spacek. Negotiations for Josh Gorges and Andrei Markov are next. Because of the salary cap, it’s unlikely that James Wisniewski or Brent Sopel will be back. Hal Gill and Roman Hamrlik could be back at the right price.

Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune Review: Salary cap issues could prevent the Penguins from re-signing Tyler Kennedy. They’d like to keep him, but the RFA may be in the $1.5 – $2 million range. He had 21 goals and 45 points last season. Kennedy could be traded before the team has to send him a qualifying offer.

Tony Marinaro via twitter: Bob Boughner stepped down as the Blue Jackets assistant coach. Marinaro is hearing that Florida or Dallas could be possible teams he could coach.

Rich Hammond of the LA Kings Insider: Oscar Moller update. He’s expected to sign 2 year deal with a team in Sweden, and the Kings would almost certain retain the RFA’s rights. To retain his rights they would just have to extend a qualifying offer by June 27th.

Andy Strickland of True Hockey: Dave Cameron (Mississauga OHL head coach) is being strongly considered as the next Ottawa Senators head coach. Minnesota and Florida are possible destinations for former NY Islanders head coach Scott Gordon. A source tells Strickland to not completely write off Brad Richards to Tampa. Strickland (and myself) doesn’t see it happening. A $4-5 million price tag for Jaromir Jagr could be a hefty price if a potential 3rd line NHL winger. Strickland is told that Mike Modano will officially retire at some point this off-season. Chris Osgood could do the same.