Mark Everson of the NY Post: New Jersey Devils GM Ilya Kovalchuk still hasn’t given up on re-signing Ilya Kovalchuk. It’s rumored that the Devils were willing to offer $8 million a season.
Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: The Maple Leafs are obviously lacking down the middle, Tyler Bozak is their top centerman, followed by Mikhail Grabovski, maybe Nazem Kadri or Christian Hanson or John Mitchell. They didn’t have any interested Matthew Lombardi (3 years, $10.5 million from Nashville). The free agent market for centermen isn’t very encouraging either. Good Simmons line: “Never mind Darryl Sutter losing his senses and signing Olli Jokinen. But giving him a no-trade deal? Who does he think he is, John Ferguson Jr.?” Simmons is surprised that Panthers GM Dale Tallon hasn’t offered Niklas Hjalmersson an offer sheet. Chris Mason is this years Dominic Moore. Mason turned down 3 years and $11 million during the season from the Blues, he signed with the Thrashers for 2 years and $3.7 million.
Dan Barnes of the Edmonton Journal: The Oilers will not re-sign Ryan Potulny, Marc Pouliot, Fernando Pisani, and their isn’t much room for Mike Comrie. Andrew Cogliano is prime candidate to be traded. Sheldon Souray cleared waivers, and if they can’t move him, don’t expect him to be at training camp. They most likely won’t put him through re-entry waivers, or bury him in the minors. A trade seems to be the only option.
