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Changes Coming in LA and Buffalo … Devils Coaching Options
Mark Easson
Helene Elliott of the Los Angeles Times: The LA Kings have 9 free agents to deal with this off-seaosn, 6 UFAs and 3 RFAs, and there is a chance at all 6 UFAs won’t be back. Alexander Frolov could be looking for $5 million a year, not likely getting that in LA, or maybe from anyone else in the NHL. Freddie Modin wasn’t very productive since being acquired at the deadline. Jeff Halpren didn’t have much success either. Poor defensive play since December injury, and coming off a $3 million contract may have paved the wayRandy Jones to move on. The game may be getting too quick for Sean O’Donnell. Raitis Ivanans may not be worth the roster spot anymore. Their 3 restricted free agents, Brad Richardson, Scott Parse, and Rich Clune, all made under $600,000 and wouldn’t be getting big raises, so they might be back.
Don Brennan of the Ottawa Sun: Jason Spezza’s no movement clause starts on July 1st, and fans are starting to hope that he’s traded. But fans may not get their wish as both he, and the Sens would like to have him wearing a Senators uniform next season.
Elliotte Friedman of CBC.ca: Anton Volchenkov’s starting point will be Mike Komisarek’s 5 year, $22.5 million, and someone will give that or more. Friedman thinks Halak won’t re-sign in Montreal unless it’s for a boat load of cash. Wherever Carey Price ends up next year, he needs a veteran goalie to mentor him. Doug Risebrough is in the running for the Lightning GM job, and could be a candidate for San Jose if the organization goes in a different direction. The Lightning’s new GM will decide the fate of Vinny Lecavalier, new owner Jeffrey Vinik might be open to keeping him.
Jerry Sullivan of the Buffalo News: Changes could be coming with the Buffalo Sabres, GM Darcy Regier and coach Lindy Ruff could be on the hotseat. Tim Connolly, Jason Pominville, Derek Roy underacheived. Trade deadline acquisition Raffi Torres was a scratch for their elimination game. The team in general is on the small side, without the physical side that you need in the playoffs.
Larry Brooks of the NY Post: The New Jersey Devils will be searching for a new coach at Lemaire retired after one year. Brooks thinks the Devils should look inhouse and promote their AHL coach and long time Devil, John MacLean. Other candidates could be Ken Hitchcock, Bob Hartley, and Mike Keenan.