Kevin Paul Dupont of the Boston Globe: Sabres UFA Mike Grier was once thought to only want to re-sign with the Sabres, is willing to look elsewhere according to his agent.
“I know he can still help a lot of clubs,’’ said Fee. “It’s that stage now when clubs don’t know if they’ve got a kid who can step in and help at right wing, or if they want to go with someone like Mike who can just step in and give them that veteran, reliable leadership.’’
The Bruins will be paying attention to the arbitration process, as some teams will buyout/walk away from a player if they don’t like the price.
“I’d anticipate some buyouts and maybe some walkaways,’’ noted Chiarelli. “We try to stay close to that, and if there is someone there who interests us, we’ve got some flexibility.’’
EJ Hradek via twitter: Hradek answers a followers question by saying that Brad Boyes might be on the trade block in Buffalo, but that he’s overpriced ($4 million) and the Predators should stay away.
Tim Sassone of the Daily Herald: The Blackhawks are replacing Chris Campoli with Sami Lepisto on the point. Campoli was looking for a similar deal to what Steve Montador received, 4 years, at $2.75 million per season.
“He’s a guy who has some growth to his game,” Bowman said. “He fits in with what we try to do because he’s able to play a few different ways. He can move the puck, kill penalties and has a bit of an edge to him.
“In a lot of ways, Sami is a similar player to Chris.”
GM Stan Bowman will trade try to Campoli before his arbitration hearing next month.
Patrick Sharp interviewed by Dan Roan: