Brad Zeimer of the Vancouver Sun: Cancucks defenseman Kevin Bieksa will return after missing 15 games with a broken foot. He’ll likely be paired with Dan Hamhuis. Aaron Rome or Chris Tanev will be a healthy scratch. Their 2nd to 4th lines could look like this tonight: Mason Raymond-Ryan Kesler-Chris Higgins, Raffi Torres-Maxim Lapierre-Jannik Hansen, Jeff Tambellini-Alex Bolduc-Victor Oreskovich.
Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Stars forward Loui Eriksson made it through a full practice yesterday, and hopes to play tonight against Anaheim. Coach Marc Crawford is a little more cautious as Eriksson has been out with a concussion, a decision should be made after this mornings skate. Defenseman Nicklas Grossman has an MCL sprain, and will be out for “a bit” according to Crawford. Karlis Skrastins is doubtful with a lacerated thigh. Adam Burish is still not skating with a lower body injury. Kari Lehtonen will be in net tonight.
Tim Panaccio of CSNPhilly: Flyers tough guy Jody Shelly will be out 4 weeks with a fractured orbital bone after being struck by a deflected puck. He’ll have surgery tomorrow to repair the broken bone.
Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: Brian Burke said their was “No chance” when asked if the Leafs would consider buying out the remaining 3 years of Mike Komisarek’s contract. It would have carried a $1.38 million cap hit for the next 6 years. Komisarek is finishing up his 2nd year of a 5 year, $22.5 million deal.
Damian Cox of the Toronto Star: Cox thinks that if the Maple Leafs don’t go after Ilya Bryzgalov this summer, they’ll still need to bring in an experienced goalie in case James Reimer can’t repeat this year’s play.
Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun: Koshan wonders if Brett Lebda will be next seasons Jeff Finger, buried in the minors. Lebda has 1 more year at $1.4 million and has been a big disappointment this year for the Maple Leafs.
Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Avalanche forward Tomas Fleischmann has been out with a pulmonary emboli since Jan. 18th skated for the first time, though he won’t play again this season. It’s looks like he’ll be able to play next year, but he’s a UFA on July 1st. Dater thinks they should re-sign him.
