- Slava Malamud via twitter: The team president, regional government and sponsors have decided that Lokomotiv won’t play this year. “Inability to assemble a competitive team (with not only players, but “chemistry” and a game plan) on a short notice cited as the reason.”
- Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: Luke Schenn’s agent, Don Meehan, said in an email that they have a meeting with the Maple Leafs early next week.
- Damien Cox of the Toronto Star: There are 6 prominent RFAs still unsigned: Drew Doughty, Luke Schenn, Zach Bogosian, Brad Marchand, Kyle Turris and Josh Bailey. Doughty has reportedly turned down a 9 year, $61.2 million deal and Turris may be looking for more than $4 million a season. One agent said, “Luke Schenn isn’t going to sign before Drew Doughty unless someone blinks.” Training camp starts next week, will there be any holdouts?
- Katie Strang of Newsday: Islanders forward Josh Bailey still remains unsigned, but both sides are working to get something done. “No question,” Bailey said. “I don’t even consider the other side of things. My focus is here. I’m an Islander and that’s the way I want it to stay.”
- Tim Campbell and Ed Tait of the Winnipeg Free Press: The line of communication between RFA Zach Bogosian and the Jets are open but no deal is imminent. “Things are pretty much status quo,” the GM said. “There are conversations as we go. Time will play itself out.” Jets camp opens next Saturday.
- Eric Stephens of the OC Register: Teemu Selanne may put off his decision to play or not until after training camp opens next week.
“I might even go (into) the first week of training camp and just go as a tryout for starters,” Selanne said. “I know I’ve got to sign something to get into camp. But I think there would be benefits for the team and myself. I don’t want to just try it and say, ‘Sorry, I can’t do it.’”
- Tom Gulitti of the Bergon Record: Lou Lamoriello said that Travis Zajac would miss 3 months after he had surgery to repair Achilles tendon. Zajac has talked to some people who have had the same injury, for some it took 3 months, but for some others it took 4 to 6 months. He suffered the injury on Aug. 17th.
“It depends on the athlete and the person, but from guys I’ve talked to with the injury that (three months) seems like a reasonable timeframe for some guys and some guys were a little longer,” Zajac said. “Hopefully, if things progress well (he’ll be back in three months). I was told it’s the rehab that is the key part that’s going to get you back the quickest.”
- Sam Carchidi via twitter: Flyers defenseman Chris Pronger had a positive step in his rehab, but it’s still a long shot that he’s ready for their Oct. 6th opener.
- Dan Rosen via twitter: Canucks forward Ryan Kesler doesn’t think he’ll be ready for the start of the season. Pierre LeBrun via twitter: Kesler said his hip is still on 100%.
- Chicago Tribune: The Blackhawks have acquired Jonathan Toews brother, David, from the New York Islanders for future considerations. David scored 20 goals and added 28 assists with Brandon of the WHL last year.