- Mike Brophy of Sportsnet: Maple Leafs center Mikhail Grabovski is in the final year of his contract where he earns $3.1 million, with a $2.9 million cap hit. Grabovski could easily command $4 – 4.5 million deal for 5 or 6 years. Phillippe Dupuis, John-Michael Liles and Jonas Gustavson will also be UFAs.
“It depends on if he wants to stay in Toronto or if he wants to test the market and go to the highest bidder,” said one agent. “If he stays in Toronto he’ll probably take a little less than what he could get if he goes to another team.”
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: If Sean Avery is claimed off re-entry waivers, the new team would owe him 25%, the Rangers 25% and the Stars 50%.
- Elliotte Freidman of CBC Sports: There were rumors that the Stars may be looking to trade Brendan Morrow, but he has a no-trade clause, and hasn’t been asked to waive it as of yet.
- Mark Everson of the NY Post: The Oilers have a glut of centers and have moved Sam Gagner to the wing. The Devils are thin down the middle at the moment and may have already asked the Oilers about Gagner. The Oilers would reportedly want a young defensive prospect in return, possibly Matt Taormina or Alexander Urbom. They may also require a roster winger and draft pick.
- Alan Robinson in the Globe and Mail: Penguins captain Sidney Crosby ruled himself out for this weeks games. November 11th is likely the earliest he’d return. He won’t be cleared for game action until doctors feel he can handle contact during practice. There hasn’t been much practice time for the Penguins lately.
“It’s not just an automatic thing,” Crosby said. “To go through hitting is a big step. I just want to make sure I get through that. It’s the most important thing — however long that takes. I don’t want to get too far ahead. I just want to make sure it goes well and (I) give myself the best chance to handle it.”
- Chris Kuc via twitter: Blackhawks defenseman Duncan Keith is listed as day-to-day with an upper body injury.
- John Vogl of the Buffalo News: The Sabres have put Jochen Hecht on the IR.
“We’ve shut Jochen down at different times,” Ruff said. “If the doctors feel it’s best to shut him down for a period of time, we’ll shut him down. It’s really in their hands. It isn’t up to our medical staff, and it isn’t up to Jochen. We’re under some guidance, and we’ve got to trust what our people are telling us.”
- Damian Cristodero of the St. Petersburg Times: Lightning forward Ryan Malone had X-rays on his upper body injury after Saturday’s game against the Jets, which were negative. He’s day-to-day and may not play tonight against the Hurricanes.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Oilers forward Ales Hemsky could return in a week, and the Oilers will have to figure out what to do with Linus Omark, who’s been a healthy scratch for 5 consecutive games. He would have to clear waivers since he’s played over 60 games. The Hurricanes are looking for forwards.
- Gary Lawless of the Winnipeg Free Press: Jets defenseman Tobias Enstrom was hit in the 2nd period by Panthers Jack Skille and didn’t return for the 3rd period.