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Potential Stars owner backs out … Injury updates on Crosby, Franzen and Stajan … Teams losing money … and more
Mark Easson
Richard Durrett of ESPN Dallas: Sources told Pierre LeBrun yesterday that Calgary Oil man Bill Gallacher has pulled out of buying the Dallas Stars. In the past few months, it was rumored that he was close to a deal with current Stars owner Tom Hicks. Canadian businessman Tom Gaglardi still remains interested, and other groups may get back into it. The team is operating on a low internal budget which is limited what the team could do in terms of free agents and trades.
Steve MacFarlane of the Calgary Sun: Matt Stajan separated his shoulder during the first period of Tuesday night’s game versus the Canucks, and will be out indefinitely. The Flames are already without Daymond Langkow who has a fractured vertebrae at the base of his neck. Randy Sportak of the Calgary Sun: Stajan’s injury opens the door for Mikael Backlund to step up into the 2nd line roll. Backlund collected 10 points in 23 games last season, and welcomes the opportunity. Stajan could be out for a month if they’re lucky.
Shelly Anderson of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Sidney Crosby sat out the 3rd period of last night’s game with a sore hip flexor. Crosby ‘tweaked’ it a bit, but doesn’t see it as a long term problem.
Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: Right now there doesn’t seem to be any urgency for the Vancouver Canucks to trade Kevin Bieksa. The Canucks did have 3 scouts watching the Columbus Blue Jackets in Traverse City, where the Jackets prospects were playing.
Doug MacLean via twitter: Minnesota Wild owner said yesterday they lost money last year, joining the Ottawa Senators, Edmonton Oilers and Chicago Blackhawks. The Washington Capitals got revenue sharing.
Sarah McLellan of the Arizona Republic: Martin Hanzal and Vern Fiddler will be the Coyotes top 2 centerman, with the other 2 spots up for grabs. Eric Belanger, Kyle Turris, Kyle Wellwood, and Wojtek Wolski are vying for the spots. Pierre LeBrun via twitter: If either Kyle Turris or Kyle Wellwood make the Coyotes, Wojtek Wolski would likely shift back to the wing, he’s been playing center at camp.
Jason Botchford via twitter: Vancouver Canucks prospect Cody Hodgson had no pain/symptoms after first full contact practice.
Jim Matheson via twitter: Matheson thinks the Edmonton Oilers captaincy is down to Ryan Whitney and Shawn Horcoff, if the team goes with one this year.
Curtis Zupke via twitter: Anaheim Ducks coach Randy Carlyle said that if Matt Beleskey continues to get the puck to Cory Perry and Ryan Getzlaf, he might have a spot on that line.