Bryzgalov heading back to Russia? Markov and Canadiens to talk … Plenty of options for Boudreau if fired … 4 ‘Canes UFAs

Mark Easson

13 years ago

Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: A credible Russian media source is saying that SKA of the KHL has started negotiationg with Coyotes goalie Ilya Bryzgalov. SKA was the team that signed Evgeni Nabokov last season.

Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Tretiak says that Alex Ovechkin will join Russia at the World Championships. Alexander Semin and Semyon Varlamov were not asked to join Russia. After Ovechkin, they have only 1 roster spot open, and Chesnokov thinks they are holding it for Pavel Datsyuk.

Montreal Gazette: In the coming weeks the Montreal Canadiens and Andrei Markov will reportedly start contract negotiations. Don Meehan, Markov’s agent, said in an email that they will meet at the end of May.

Jim Matheson via twitter: If Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau is fired, he likely won’t be out of work for long as there are jobs in Minnesota, New Jersey, Dallas, Ottawa, and Florida.

Luke DeCock of the Rageigh News & Observer: Erik Cole, Jussi Jokinen, Chad LaRose and Joni Pitkanen are the top UFA’s for the Carolina Hurricanes this off-season. It’s unlikely that they all will be back. GM Jim Rutherford has indicated that he wants Cole back. They may not be able to afford to bring Pitkanen back, he made $4.5 million last season. Both Jokinen and LaRose made $1.8 million last season. Jokinen has 120 points in the last 2 seasons, and if would take a slight raise, he could be back. LaRose has averaged 30 points over the last 3 seasons, and with several youngers waiting in the wings, he may not be back.