- Craig Custance via twitter: There will be interest in UFA goalie Jonas Gustavsson. One executive suggested he could be this year’s Mike Smith is he signs with the right team.
- Darren Dreger via twitter: The Canucks have filed “cutdown” arbitration with forward Mason Raymond. His qualifying offer is $2.6 million, so his salary can’t drop more than to $2.21 million if the Canucks win the arbitration case. The Canucks had to file before June 15th. Going through arbitration could give a maximum of a 15% pay cut, less of a pay cut or none at all. Raymond was to be a RFA on July 1st. The Canucks are not able to walkaway from the arbitration ruling, but they can trade him before or after the ruling.
- Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News: The Red Wings have had some discussion with UFA Jiri Hudler. He likes the city and team, but could be highly sought after if he hits the open market. Hudler’s 50 point season could get him a contract similar or more than David Jones’s 4 year, $16 million.
- Todd Cordell via facebook: Bryce Salvador’s agent, Carlos Sosa, said he won’t disclose any information regarding negotiations or contract extension talks at this time.
- Tom Gulitti of the Bergon Record: Petr Sykora hopes he’s able to re-sign with the Devils.
“You never know what’s going to happen, but I think I had a good enough season to come back here next year,” said Sykora, who signed a one-year contract for $650,000 after training camp. “I’m going to do my best. I felt that I did my best during the regular season. I don’t know. Twenty goals, Stanley Cup Finals, I hope it’s going to work out.”
Johan Hedberg may be interested in coming back to the Devils next year as well.
“I have no idea what will happen,” Hedberg said. “I haven’t spoken to Lou (Lamoriello) about anything. I want to wait and see what his thoughts and plans are and then go from there. I had a lot of fun this year, plenty of fun, and feel like I’ve got some more hockey next year.”
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: It looks like Jay McClement’s days as a Colorado Avalanche are over, and he’ll be a UFA on July 1st.
- Paul Friesen of the Winnipeg Sun: The Jets and Tanner Glass are getting close on a deal.
“Not quite there, yet, but definitely talking. I’d say we’re at 80%-85% (done),” Glass told the Winnipeg Sun Wednesday. “We both want to get it done, so that’s the main thing.”