Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Everyone knows by now that Richards is a UFA at seasons end, the team is without owners, the Stars would to sign him, he wouldn’t mind staying, and he might be traded at the trade deadline. Joe Nieuwendyk had that is say, “I’ve talked to NHL Commissioner] Gary Bettman about the issues, and I did ask that if the lenders are carrying us to summer time, then we have some important things we need to talk about with them,” he said. “I think the lenders are also aware how important this could be for our team.” In my opinion, if they could get Richards to sign a cap friendly deal in the $6.5 million range, it could be a plus for a potential owner. It’s not a crazy number to have your number one player at, and I’d rather a Stars roster with him on it than without. Their cap number can easily stay below $50 million with Richards signed.
Larry Brooks of the NY Post: Glen Sather won’t be putting a together a package of his young players (Dubinsky, Staal, Del Zotto or Callahan) for Brad Richards. If/when Richards becomes a UFA on July 1st, the Rangers will definitely look at him. Sather will monitor the Richards situation during the year, and especially at the trade deadline, if they feel they are one piece away they might take a closer look.
Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News: The Flyers may not be able to sign Ville Leino to a contract extension due to the league rule that they cannot exceed this years salary cap number ($59.4 million) when it comes to next years salaries. So far they have $57.6 million tied into 18 players. If they sign him to under $1.8 million, they would be able to add him. Leino’s agent met with the Flyers last week, and both sides realize there is plenty of time to get a deal done. Dan Carcillo (sprained MCL) is scheduled to skate today and is at least a week away.
Jeff Gordon of the St. Louis Post Dispatch: Gordon thinks the Blues should keep an eye on the Bruins situation when they need to start unloading some contracts. With TJ Oshie out for an extended period of time, and David Perron still suffering post concussion symptoms, they might be need some help upfront.
Joe Haggerty via twitter: Marc Savard passed his Neuro-psych tests yesterday and now has clearance for contact.
Vicki Hall via twitter: Flames will know the morning is Matt Stajan is able to go against the Devils (click here to see Stajan laid out by Staal if you missed it). Robyn Regehr is day-to-day with a lower body injury.
Corey Masisak via twitter: Mike Green on his recent injury, “It is more of something that has been bothering me in the past and it is not getting better.”
Eric Stephens of the OC Register: The Anaheim Ducks traded forward Ryan Carter to the Carolina Hurricanes for prospects Matt Kennedy and Stefan Chaput. In 18 games Carter registered 3 points and 22 PIMs, and cleared waivers before they traded him. Carolina plans to use him as their 4th line center. Kennedy and Chaput will report to Syracuse. Anaheim also traded Stu Bickel to the NY Rangers for Nigel Williams.
Ian Walker of the Vancouver Sun: The Canucks have put Peter Schaefer on waivers yesterday. Teams have until 9 am this morning to claim him, he’ll likely be assigned to Manitoba if clears. Jeff Tambellini will likely be recalled. The question will be if the veteran Schaefer reports or not.
Audio Ottawa Citizen: Writers James Gordon, Wayne Scanlan and Ken Warren discuss the Ottawa Senators.
Fan 960 Audio: Darren Dreger and Rob Kerr talk Marc Staal’s hit on Matt Stajan among other issues in the NHL.
Fan 590 Audio: from Monday. Colin Campbell on with Bob McCown and John Shannon discussing “topics such as Dean Warren, the recent e-mail scandal, being involved in his son’s games, NHL officiating as well as the league’s disciplining process and policies.”
