- Tim Panaccio of CSN Philly: A source is saying that the Flyers are not on a potential list of teams that Ryan Suter is willing to talk to if he rights are traded by the Nashville Predators. The source added that Suter may prefer to stay in the Western Conference rather than coming to the East. Predators GM David Poile is said to be refusing to talk with teams about Suter and RFA Shea Weber at this moment. It’s likely that the Preds would move Suter’s rights by the draft if they feel he won’t re-sign.
- Michael Russo of the Star-Tribune: The Wild have more than $20 million in salary cap space and will be targeting “NHL talent.” The Wild are desperate for scoring and are expected to offer Zach Parise as much as $8-9 million a year.
- Josh Cooper of the Tennessean: The Predators and Paul Gaustad are talking, and according to his agent, Michael Gorman,
“We have spoken with the team. Both parties are interested and looking at options for the future,” Gorman said. “I know that Nashville is interested in keeping Paul and Paul definitely enjoyed his time in Nashville, so it’s our intention to see if we can get something done, and there’s still plenty of time for that.”
- Ryan Kennedy of the Hockey News: If Penguins Jordan Staal hits the trade market, Kennedy thinks the Maple Leafs should “throw the kitchen sink” at GM Ray Shero in attempt to land him. He would be the big #1 center that Brian Burke has been looking for, and he’d really help their bad penalty kill.
- Joe Haggerty of CSNNE: Chris Kelly’s 4 year, $12 million contract extension with the Bruins isn’t official yet, they have “agreed in principle.” They will have to wait until July 1st due to the “tagging” rules.
“We’ve got a commitment from for four years, but we’re not able the register that contract yet. We have to wait because of payroll tagging issues,” admitted Chiarelli during a conference call with reporters on Wednesday afternoon. “That will be something we do on July 1. He has my commitment, he’s given me his commitment, and we’re ecstatic to have him for four years.”
- Allen Panzeri of the Ottawa Citizen: Senators GM Bryan Murray thinks they will get a good player at the #15 draft slot, but hasn’t ruled out either moving up or down in the draft. Murray has also held preliminary talks with defenseman Erik Karlsson’s agents and is expected to talk with them next week in Las Vegas.
