Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: The Flames are “very, very interested” in Coyotes RFA Kyle Turris, checking in on the situation each week, holding discussions with both the Coyotes and Turris’ agent Kurt Overhardt. Coyotes GM Don Maloney is adamant that they won’t trade him while he remains unsigned. The Flames can’t sign Turris to an offer sheet as they don’t have their 2nd round pick. Bob McKenzie said that the Senators are also interested in Turris, and have been told the same thing by Maloney. The Maple Leafs have also shown interest, though not as much as the Flames and Senators.The New York Rangers have been calling the Maple Leafs. Defenseman Cody Franson may be available in Toronto. One decision the Leafs face is do they break up the equilibrium in the dressing room by making a deal or do they wait until later?Ryan Suter’s agent will be in Nashville in 2 weeks time and will be discussing contract extension with them. Predators GM David Poile said that he talked with Pekka Rinne’s agent on Monday. Shea Weber’s agent said there hasn’t really been any contract talks since the summer. Weber isn’t able to sign a deal until after January 1st. LeBrun thinks Weber could be waiting to see what happens with Suter and Rinne before he decides what to do. “I know these guys all want to sign here,’’ Poile said. “But it’s just a matter of getting it done. The better we do on the ice, I think the better chance we have of signing them.’’ If Suter or Weber comes available, the Red Wings will likely be in on them.
Bruce McCurdy of the Edmonton Journal: The Oilers have sent Linus Omark to the AHL. The Oilers basically have 3 ‘top 6’ type players battling for 1 spot on a top line. Sam Gagner has potential. Ales Hemsky is getting closer to returning. Their may not be room for Omark to crack a top line, so he might be moved out at some point.
Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette: Canadiens defenseman Andrei Markov skated yesterday, but there is no timetable for his return. Coach Jacques Martin said it’s impossible to speculate when Markov could return until he starts practicing with teammates. Center Scott Gomez also skated on his own, but won’t be ready for this weekend’s games.
Dan Murphy via twitter: Flyers defenseman Chris Pronger will skate by himself for 15-20 minutes today.
Jonas Siegel via twitter: Maple Leafs coach Ron Wilson remain unsure of James Reimer’s status for this week. He’ll skate this morning and they’ll go from there.
Chip Alexander via twitter: Hurricanes Jussi Jokinen was ‘upright’ and is day-to-day, “It’s nothing catastrophic” according to coach Paul Maurice. Jeff Skinner could be moved back to center. Replays show Jokinen twisting his left leg while falling over Ryan Shannon.
Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Stars forwards Steve Ott and Jamie Benn missed practiced yesterday. Benn should be back, but Ott is questionable for Friday.
The Globe and Mail: Martin Brodeur could be in net for the Devils. The Devils haven’t said if Brodeur or Johan Hedberg will start.
