Bickell out 6-8 weeks … Roy may not be back … Rangers notes … Nabokov to World’s to increase value … Kings could be in on Richards

Mark Easson

14 years ago

The Globe and Mail: Blackhawks winger Bryan Bickell will be out for the remainder of the season after having surgery to repair a lacerated tendon he suffered in Game 2. He’ll be out 6-8 weeks. “While the surgery was anticipated since the injury occurred, Bryan wanted to play as long as possible before time ran out to complete the procedure appropriately,” Blackhawks team physician Dr. Michael Terry said in a release Monday.

Jerry Sullivan of the Buffalo News: Sabres coach Lindy Ruff backtracked a bit when it comes to Derek Roy’s status for Game 7, “I don’t even know if he’s playing yet,” Ruff said when asked what he expected from Roy tonight. “So I don’t know what to expect.”

Jeff Klein of NY Times: It sounds like Rangers coach John Tortorella may not see much of future for Chris Drury, Vinny Prospal and Sean Avery, “Tortorella said that Drury and Prospal were “getting older.” Of Avery he said, “I don’t know where it sits.” Tortorella added that the Rangers would “explore all avenues” to give Marian Gaborik some scoring help, presumably Brad Richards. Drury missed 58 games this season, had 5 points, and has a $7 million cap hit next year. “You have to make decisions on what’s best for the organization,” Tortorella said. “This is something honestly we have to look at as far as where does he fit now.”

Larry Brooks of the NY Post: Brooks thinks the Rangers need to bring in some “talented impact players” to take the team to the next level. They have a good core with Callahan, Dubinsky and Staal. “The time, though, is coming when the Rangers will have to consider packaging three young assets for one young, All-Star caliber player either in need of a change or who might have a contract issue. Three from Column B for one from Column A. That’s not a maybe.” Henrik Lundqvist will also be turning 30, “To be a great team, when you have an opportunity, you need to grab it. And when you’re older you really need to grab it because you don’t know when there’s another opportunity.”There is a risk/reward for bringing in Brad Richards on a longer term deal as he is 31 and coming off a concussion.

Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: The Islanders “tolled” Evgeni Nabokov’s contract, and will allow him to play in the World Championships, and if he has a good tournament the Isles could put him on the trading block. The LA Kings could be a serious player for Brad Richards on July 1st. Richards and Joe Nieuwendyk did meet last week, but with the ownership still up in the air it’s looking likely he’ll be testing the market. The Kings didn’t give much thought to starting Jonathan Bernier on Saturday over Jonathan Quick, as they may have been concerned with the emotional damage that might have occurred if they lost while he was on the bench. Ron MacLean pointed out how much it affected Cary Price a few years ago in the follow season. Kyle Wellwood has played well in San Jose, and they may consider bringing him back.