Mike Kiley of Chicago Now: Kiley wonders when, not if, the Blackhawks will buy out Cristobal Huet. Lastnight’s 8-3 lose could be the end of the line for Huet in the ‘Hawks net. But are they completely sold on Niemi?
Jay Greenberg of the NY Post: The New York Rangers need to find a center for Marion Gaborik, Ollie Jokinen isn’t the answer. He’ll probably walk at the end of the season, he’s a UFA, and the $5.5 million savings will be used to re-sign RFA’s Marc Staal and Dan Girardi. The Rangers are pretty much handcuffed with the over-priced Wade Redden ($21 million over 4 years, $6.5 mill next year), Michal Rozsival ($7 million over 2, $4 mill next year), and Chris Drury ($13 million over 2, $8 mill next year). The fans and media will once again call for Redden to be sent to the minors to clear up over $6 million in cap space.
James Murphy of NESN: With the recent signing of Andrew Ference (3 years, $6.75 million), the Bruins find their next seasons cap number around $45 million. After re-signing some of their RFA’s and UFA’s, they will be really close to the cap. There is a good chance their lineup could be the same next year, unless some moves are made via trades.
Alvin Chang of ESPN: The Oilers offered the Bruins Dustin Penner and Tom Gilbert for the Bruins 1st round pick (Toronto’s). There is still the rumor that Bruins are still interested in Tomas Kaberle, and that the Leafs would love to get their 1st round pick back.
Eric Stephens of the OC Register: Saku Koivu’s season hasn’t turned out the way he had hoped. The soon to be UFA see’s the potential in Anaheim, but the 35 year old may be looking for a contender. The Ducks have shown interest in bringing him back next year.
RussianProspects.com: The Flyers have been scouting Russian forward Evgeny Bodrov (they signed his brother Denis in January) and goalie Sergei Bobrovsky.
Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune: Mattias Ohlund may return to the Lightning lineup Saturday versus the Sabres. Ohlund has missed the last 7 games with an ankle injury.
