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Canucks blueline getting healthy … Sens ower Melnyk to meet with GM … Cole a priority for ‘Canes
Mark Easson
Matthew Sekers of the Globe and Mail: Canucks defenseman Alexander Edler will return to the line for the last regular season game on Saturday. He had back surgery and has been out of the lineup since Jan. 26th. The Canucks will also only have 17 skates, 1 forward short, as they are close to the cap. Dan Hamhuis skated with teammates yesterday and hopes to play on Saturday as well, he’s been out with a concussion. Andrew Alberts won’t be ready until next week as his wrist is still bothering him.
Jason Botchford of the Vancouver Province: Dan Hamhuis is looking to play Saturday and he wasn’t considering retirement, “I had a bit of a scare, but thankfully the symptoms cleared up very quickly,” Hamhuis said. “It was diagnosed as a very mild concussion. It was very positive. “I was happy the way things cleared up very quickly. I have really been symptom-free since the first day.”
James Gordon of the Ottawa Citizen: Senators owner Eugene Melnyk will meet with GM Bryan Murray today. They might talk about a contract extension, but did say that Cory Clouston’s future as head coach would be in the hands of the next GM. Melnyk on Murray, “look, we get along, so it’s only a question of seeing whether we think he’s the right man for the position over the next several years and whether we can come together, and walk down the aisle together.” On Clouston he added, “That would really be involving the next GM, whoever that may be, that’s a hockey ops decision and I’m going to keep it that way.”
Michael Russo of the Star-Tribune: Wild winger Andrew Brunette will be 38 next August, and is a UFA after this season, one of six for the Wild. He hasn’t had any contract talks, and realizes his time with the Wild could be over. “There will be a decision somewhere down the line if it’s back here or somewhere else or who knows, right?” Brunette said. “It’s played on my mind, I’m not going to lie to you, the last little bit. I’m trying not to really dig deep into that.”
Brian Wilde of CTV Montreal: Wilde thinks Canadiens GM Pierre Gauthier would lock Carey Price and PK Subban up long term, 7 years at least. The team has some good players in place with Cammalleri, Gionta, Eller, Pouliot, and Plekanec. The Canadiens have some holes to fill, especially on the blueline. They need a ‘big horse’ that can clear bodies and play with some anger. They also need to bring in a true big number 1 centerman.
Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer: Hurricanes winger Erik Cole (25 goals so far) will be a UFA after the season. GM Jim Rutherford said the sides will talk contract extension after the season and added “has a very good future here and it will be one of our priorities.”