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Coyotes staying, Thrashers moving to Winnipeg? Carter close to returning … Gillis fined … Kings Murray wants Handzus and Ponikarovsky back
Mark Easson
Darren Dreger via twitter: “Ongoing negotiations to keep the NHL in Glendale. Atlanta is quickly becoming a real option for Wpg next season.” Will DePaoli via twitter: If the ‘Thrashers’ go to the Western Conference, there is chatter that the NHL wants to move the Red Wings to the Eastern Conference.
Paul Turenne of the Winnipeg Sun: Winnipeg Mayor Sam Katz said today that he doesn’t believe that the Phoenix Coyotes are heading to Winnipeg, and that they should start looking at another franchises. “Katz said his belief is based on his knowledge of contractual obligations the team holds in Arizona, which if broken, could result in legal action.”
TSN.ca: Sources are saying that Atlanta is waiting for the fate of Coyotes to be determined. If the Coyotes are going to stay in Phoenix, there is a chance that the Thrashers will start talking with True North (group interested in purchasing Coyotes) and move them to Winnipeg. The source added that when it comes to relocation, there isn’t anywhere to go. If the deal with the NHL/Glendale/Hulsizer falls through, they’ll look at moving the Coyotes to Winnipeg and work at keeping the Thrashers in Atlanta. They hope to have the Phoenix situation resolved by the end of next week.
Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer: Flyers forward Jeff Carter is getting closer to returning and GM Paul Holgren is optimistic that Carter could play in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Helene Elliott via twitter: Kings Terry Murray says that he wants UFA’s Michal Handzus and Alexei Ponikarovsky to return next year. Dennis Bernstein via twitter: Dennis isn’t buying this. Handzus and Ponikarovsky would only return at fractional money. Likely at center next year are Kopitar, Schenn, Stoll, Lewis.
Darren Dreger via twitter: Canucks GM Mike Gillis was fined an undisclosed, significant amount of money for his comments regarding officiating before Game 7.
Mike Harrington of the Buffalo News: Sabres forward Jason Pominville suffered a leg gash in Game 5 that sliced a tendon, he’ll be sidelined 4-6 months. Tim Connolly’s undisclosed injury would have kept him out at least 6 weeks.
Rich Chere of the Star-Ledger: Lou Lamoriello says that he wants to keep defenseman Andy Greene. If Greene were to receive the right offer he’d forgo free agency and re-sign with the club. “This is the choice. This is where I want to be,” Greene told The Star-Ledger today. “If there is an offer there that is good and I felt was right, I’d definitely take it. I’m not dragging my feet waiting for July 1st. We’ll let it play out.” Greene has spoken to Lamorielle but no offer has been made yet.
Jack Todd of Faceoff.com: Todd thinks that Hal Gill is such a calming factor for PK Subban, they have to bring him back on another 1 year contract.