- Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: The Penguins have 3 areas to address this off-season. 1. Hire a power play coach. 2. Find a winger for Evgeni Malkin. 3. Upgrade secondary skill. The Penguins have 17 players under contract for next year at just over $55.4 million. They’ll need to add 6 players for under $7 million.
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Shero on Crosby,
“He’s certainly going to be ready for camp,” Pens GM Ray Shero told ESPN.com Saturday. “He had really ramped it up before taking a week off. I know you don’t totally know with these things, but Dr. Collins has maintained the whole time that this is a manageable injury and that Sid will be fine. He’s got lots of time now.”
Chris Drury has a no movement clause so he won’t be sent to the minors which had been rumored last week. What the Sabres could be looking for this off-season, “If we can add a little more offense, we need a bit more,” Regier said. “And maybe someone who can add a little experience on the back end because we’re a little young there.” Senators GM Bryan Murray will start their coaching search next week, he already has about 6 applicants.
- Dan Arritt of ESPN Los Angeles: LA Kings defenseman Drew Doughty struggled this past season when comparing to his 2009-10 campaign, and it might hit him in the pocket book. “The drop-off could wind up costing Doughty some dough if he stays with the Kings. He’ll be a restricted free agent on July 1 and free to accept offer sheets from other teams, though the Kings have the right to match.” The Kings also have Alec Martinez, Trevor Lewis, Oscar Moller, Wayne Simmonds and Brad Richardson as RFA’s. It’s likely that Moller will be the only one not returning. The Kings will also likely to take a run at Brad Richards. There were interested in him at the deadline but the Stars where still in the playoff hunt.
- Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: Simmons wonders is the Maple Leafs could sign one of Shea Weber, Steven Stamkos or Drew Doughty to an offer sheet, costing them 4 1st round picks. The Phoenix Coyotes lost $36.6 million this past season.
- Eric Francis of the Calgary Sun: The Blackhawks and Corey Crawford will get a deal done at the draft. They are expected to offer deals in the 2,3, and 4 year range. There are rumors that the Canadiens could bury Scott Gomez and his $7.3 million cap hit in the minors next year.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Matheson wouldn’t be surprised if Alex Kovalev is in the KHL next year. Canadiens forward Lars Eller played Game 7 with a dislocated shoulder. Matheson doesn’t see the Bruins re-signing Tomas Kaberle unless he “gets his act in gear.”
- Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: RJ Umberger’s contract expires at the end of next season, and can start negotiating with the Blue Jackets after July 1st, but will he want to re-sign with the team. When asked about if he has concerns about the teams direction,
“That’s an important question for me to ask myself,” he said. “It’s something I need to consider. You only have so many years to play this game. I’m entering the stage of my career where these are the prime years. It’s important to me.
“I’d like to see how the summer plays out. From the end-of-the-year meetings (with Blue Jackets general manager Scott Howson and coach Scott Arniel), I know what they expect to do. They said they’re going to be active. But you want to see something done to feel better about the situation.”