- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: Blackhawks Duncan Keith waived his right for the in-person hearing. Will do over the phone at 2 PM EST.
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Vladimir Tarasenko’s Russian agent told SovSport that Tarasenko “is ready for the NHL…both physically and mentally.” … But Chesnokov wonders if he’ll come over.
- AP in the Sporting News: NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said they are ready to start CBA talks:
“That’s something that we’re relying on the union for right now,” Bettman said of the timing on talks. “We’ve been ready to go for months but there’s a new executive director and he’s getting up to speed, meeting with his constituents and when the union’s ready, then we’ll start.”
NHLPA spokesman Jonathan Weatherdon from an email statement:
“At our request, the NHL recently supplied the NHLPA with some initial financial information that we are currently reviewing,” Weatherdon said. “While we do not have a set date for formal negotiations to begin, we expect negotiations will begin when we have players available to participate in bargaining sessions.”
- Ted Kulfan via twitter: Red Wings Jimmy Howard won’t be back in the lineup until next week. Needs 2 good practices. Ansar Khan via twitter: Howard not practicing today. Johan Franzen and Nicklas Lidstrom are skating. Franzen left the ice before the drills started.
- Tracey Myers via twitter: Blackhawks Jonathan Toews has skated for 4 consecutive days.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: The Blues have put Danny Syvret on re-entry waivers.
- Rob Mixer via twitter: Cam Ward is the likely starter for the Hurricanes tonight against the Blue Jackets.
- David Alter via twitter: James Reimer will start in net for the Maple Leafs. Martin Brodeur will start in net for the Devils. Travis Zajac won’t return tonight.
- Steve Zipay via twitter: Henrik Lundqvist will start in net for the Rangers.