- Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Talks between Ilya Kovalchuk and the Thrashers have apparently hit a snag. “Our position is different than his position right now,” Waddell told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution before Monday night’s game with Montreal.
“Their position is fixed years with money and we have a different side of that.”That’s what we have to work through. We’ve gotten through every thing else, now we have to make it through that.”
- David Staples of the Edmonton Journal: It is not a true rumor, but he mentions, “Rather than dismantle the Oilers, isn’t it more likely they would place some new bet on some new aging hockey ace, such as Vincent Lecavalier? I can see a Tom Gilbert, Andrew Cogliano, Fernando Pisani and Jordan Eberle for Lecavalier trade right now.
- Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: Finally some good news heading the Red Wings way, Valtteri Filppula is nearing a return. Shortly after Christmas, Filppula should be back.
- Damian Cristodero of the St. Petersberg Times: The Lightning have been shopping defenseman Lukas Krajicek without any takers so far. Krajicek was sent to the minors, but won’t be put through re-entry waivers.
- Rachel Blount of the Minneapolis Star Tribune: Minnesota Wild’s winger, Petr Sykora, is still recovering from a concussion, but nearing a return. He’s been skating on his own since last week, and missed his 20th game last night.
- Helene Elliott of the LA Times: Ryan Smyth returned to the Kings practice yesterday. He’s missed the last 15 games with a rib injury, and could return to the line on Saturday.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Senators goalie, Pascal Leclaire, is ready to return tomorrow after missing several weeks after taking a puck in the face. Brian Elliott will go back to being the backup.