Mark Everson of the NY Post: The New Jersey Devils have about $13 million in cap space, and they are still trying to re-sign Ilya Kovalchuk and Paul Martin. Both would require about all of that, and they still have other roster spots to fill, 3 forwards and 3 defense. Odds are they won’t sign both (possibly neither), and will use that extra money on bolstering their defense. John Madden may be on his way back to New Jersey. Clarkson re-signed with the Devils, 3 year, $8 million.
Helene Elliott of the LA Times: The LA Kings are getting ready to pursue Ilya Kovalchuk, and hoping it won’t cost too much. The Kings aren’t expected to bring Jeff Halpern, Fredrik Modin and Taitis Ivanans back. The Anaheim Ducks are still waiting to hear what Teemu Selanne and Saku Koivu are going to do next year. Ducks may look at signing a mid-level defenseman.
Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Sergei Gonchar and Bill Guerin are certain to test the market. The Pens were still trying to get Dan Hamhuis locked up before noon EST. Jordan Leopold and Mark Eaton are still possibilities to return the club.
