- Andy Strickland of True Hockey: The Blues still need to address their defense, and will do so through trade or free agency. They are looking for someone to play with Alex Pietrangelo. They may not be able to afford Matt Carle who will be looking for $4+ million. Bryce Salvador could be an option, though he may return to New Jersey. The Blue have told defenseman Ian Cole that he has a top 7 position, but it’s up to him to crack the top 6. Jamie Langenbrunner and Scott Nichol could both re-sign this week or next. Sources are saying that Ryan Suter has been in close communication with Predators GM David Poile. Suter has been told by the team that they plan to be aggressive in free agency. Suter wants to see what the Predators are able to do. If they strike out, he may move on. Zach Parise will give the Devils every opportunity to re-sign him.
- Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette: He lists the chances of the Canadiens drafting Filip Forsberg with the 3rd overall pick at 40%. The Canadiens may be more interested in getting help up the middle.
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Predators GM David Poile to ESPN:
“It appears that Suter is going to go to July 1,” Poile told ESPN.com Tuesday afternoon from Las Vegas. “I’m going to meet with Neil on Friday, and we’re going to talk again next week to see where we are. But it appears that’s where he’s heading. I’m keeping the faith. I don’t think I’m going to trade his rights. It’s all based on the fact that there’s no indication to me that Ryan doesn’t think Nashville is the right fit for him.”
“I don’t know how it’s going to pan out, but we’re going to do the best we can to keep talking and keep believing that we’re the right choice,” Poile said. “Hopefully, when he compares it to other teams July 1 and compares it to Nashville, what’s important to him in his life and for his family, I think we’re a real good fit on and off the ice. I don’t see where the grass is any greener.”
If the Blue Jackets don’t get what they want for Rick Nash this weekend, they may wait until the Zach Parise free agent period ends. The Flyers are part of the “in” crowd when it comes to Nash. The Sharks are interested, but not if Logan Couture is involved. The Hurricanes are interested in Jordan Staal and Nash, but can’t do both. LeBrun believes the Panthers and Canucks have talked about Roberto Luongo, but the Panthers would require salary to head back the other way. The Kings are not in a hurry to move Jonathan Bernier and are fine with keeping him next year if they have to. The Kings and Jarret Stoll could have a deal within a week. They have also had talks with Colin Fraser, and are still deciding on Dustin Penner. The Sharks could dangle a defenseman, maybe Jason Demers, in a deal for a winger. The Red Wings offered Brad Stuart 3 and 4 year deals worth more than the $3.6 million per year he got from the Sharks after the trade.