- Andrew Gross of the Record: Rangers Brandon Dubinsky skated again yesterday and could be available for Game 5. Mats Zuccarello could be available tonight as well.
- Ted Kulfan via twitter: Kulfan points out for those who think Zach Parise is a lock for the Red Wings … The Rangers are an ideal fit, and he wouldn’t have to move. Alex Semin played well with Pavel Datsyuk and could be option B, but Kulfan isn’t sold on Semin under Babcock.
- Mike Sielski of the Wall Street Journal: Through a spokesman, Rangers GM Glen Sather declined to comment on whether they will chase Zach Parise if he hits the open market on July 1st. There have been no formal talks between Parise’s side and Devils GM Lou Lamoriello. Parise has said he solely wants to focus on hockey. The Rangers would be $16 million under the cap based on a $64.3 million cap number.
- John Boruk of CSN Philly: Boruk would be surprised is Sergei Bobrovsky is back in a Flyers uniform next season. His play after the all-star break has decreased his trade value. The Flyers need to find a reliable veteran backup for next season. Possible candidates are: Tomas Vokoun, Johan Hedberg, Josh Harding, Scott Clemmensen and Chris Mason.
- The Fourth Period: If the Capitals chose not to re-sign Alexanders Semin, and they can’t replace his skill through free agency, they could look at the trade market. If they re-signed Dennis Wideman, they could make RFA Mike Green available. It’s believed they won’t re-sign UFAs Mike Knuble and Jeff Halpern.
- Stephen Whyno of the Washington Times: As of several days ago, Dennis Wideman hadn’t meet with agent to discuss “what is going to happen or what’s going on.” Wideman is coming off a 4 year, $15.75 million deal. He’ll likely be looking for $4 million plus, and it could be hard for the Capitals to go up to $5 million if that is what he wants.
“Obviously, I like it here. I’ve had a lot of fun here in the last year,” Wideman said. “Obviously, I like where we’re going, the core group of guys is really, really good. So why not? I’d love to be back.”
- Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: Red Wings GM Ken Holland is expected to meet with Tomas Holmstrom in the next couple weeks, and the Wings may have some tough decisions if he wants to come back. He’s played a lot of hockey and has knee issues. He still has a knack around the net, but he’s not the same as he use to be. The Wings have 11 forwards under contract for next season and want to upgrade their top 6.
- Stephen Whyno via twitter: Semin’s agent said he’s not considering the KHL.
- Adrian Dater via sulia: Dater is hearing that the Stars will be busy during free agency, and he thinks they will go after Ryan Suter hard.
