- Darren Dreger: There is speculation that Evgeni Malkin could command $15 million a season from the KHL, all tax free.
- Bruce Garrioch: Senators UFA Sergei Gonchar has an offer from Metallurg of the KHL. Waiting to see what his NHL options are. The Senators would like to bring him back at a lower salary. Magnitogorsk’s offer is higher than $6 million a season. He made $5.5 million last year.
- Tom Gulitti of the Bergon Record: The Devils deal with Andrei Loktionov is “imminent.”
“He will be coming back,” Lamoriello said. “He will not be going to Russia.”
- Katie Carrera of the Washington Post: Joey Crabb won’t be back with the Capitals next season.
“He has no intentions to sign back with the Capitals,” Crabb’s agent, Kevin Epp, wrote in an e-mail to the Post. “I don’t think it worked out for either party.”
- The Fourth Period: Sources are saying some of the Devils top free agents won’t be back next season. David Clarkson and Patrik Elias will get the most attention. Clarkson and Elias are expected to test the waters and it’s unclear if they’ll be able to come to terms with the Devils after July 5th. Clarkson is thought to command over $5 million per season. Elias could get something in the $5 to $6 million range. Both would like to return, but there is the ongoing financial issues.
- Mark Potash of the Chicago Sun-Times: Bryan Bickell’s free agent stock is on the rise while Viktor Stalberg’s is falling.
‘‘Certainly there’s more eyes on you at this point of the year,’’ Stalberg said. ‘‘You try not to think too much about it. It’s about winning right now and doing everything you can for the team. Whatever happens will take care of . Right now, it’s about this group, winning right now.’’