- Joe Haggerty of CSNNE: Blue Jackets pay-by-pay guy Jeff Rimer reported on radio that the Bruins were preparing a “major” offer for Rick Nash. The Bruins would be interested in Nash, but they’d have to clear room for his $7.8 million salary. They would have to look at moving a $5 million player like David Krejci or Tim Thomas. There are indications that the Blue Jackets would be looking for Milan Lucic or Tyler Seguin and Dougie Hamilton. Seguin would be untouchable. Lucic’s name is coming up more often in trade discussions. The price would have to drop for the Bruins to be interested, maybe Krejci and prospects/picks. The Columbus Blog “The Cannon” mentions Patrice Bergeron, but that isn’t going to happen.
- Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: The Red Wings and Jiri Hudler have talked about a contract extension. Hudler made $3 million with a $2.875 million cap hit. He’ll be a UFA, and will likely test the free agent market. There is no doubt that he can score, but he’s not a great skater, isn’t great in his own zone, had only 2 goals on the power play despite taking a regular shift. The Wings would like to keep him, but they are not going to overpay for him.
- BD Gallof via twitter: Gallof shoots down the PK Subban for the Islanders 4th/Calvin de Hann is not happening.
- Toronto Sun: Flyers assistant coach Craig Berube would be interested in the Capitals head coaching position if contacted. Defenseman Sheldon Souray would like to remain with the Stars.
“I’d like to stay here,” Souray said on the team website. “I know they’re going to make changes. If anyone here thinks they’re not making changes, they’re all a little naive. Hopefully, in the year that I’ve been here, they see me as part of the solution moving forward.”
- Michael Russo of the Star-Tribune: Wild injury updates: Guillaume Latendresse (concussion and RFA) is doing better and may have been able to play at the end of the regular season. It’s unlikely that they qualify him at $2.5 due to 2 injury filled seasons, but they may try to work out another deal. Pierre-Marc Bouchard (concussion) will meet with GM Chuck Fletcher in the next week or so to discuss how he’s doing. Jared Spurgeon (concussion) was cleared during the last week of the season. Marco Scandella (hand and hernia surgery) should be recovered by late June. Mike Lundin (hernia surgery) is doing better but unlikely to return. Dany Heatley and Devin Setoguchi have both recovered from minor knee surgery. Niklas Backstrom has recovered from minor ankle surgery.
- Craig Custance of ESPN: Custance names 5 college players who are the most NHL ready: Nick Bjugstad (FLA), Justin Schultz (ANA), Danny DeKeyser (going back to school), Brian Dumoulin (CAR) and Jon Merrill (NJ).
- Jen (NHLhistorygirl) via twitter: In 1987, the Kings turned down a Paul Coffey for Bernie Nicholls, Jay Wells and 2nd round draft pick from the Oilers.
- Michael Russo of the Star-Tribune: The Wild have signed Mikael Granlund to a 3 year, $2.7 million plus bonuses deal. Granlund was the 9th overall pick in 2010.
