- Kevin Paul Dupont via twitter: The Bruins will sign Milan Lucic to a long-term contract extension this morning. Dupont guesses the money will be upwards of Tyler Seguin’s $5.75 million.
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: It’s unlikely that the Stars will get Jamie Benn signed to a contract extension. The Stars like to give out “bridge” contracts, 2 or 3 years in the $3 million range. Loui Eriksson and James Neal signed “bridge” deals. Benn wants more, especially after similar players are signing 5 or 6 year deals around $6 million. Stars GM Joe Nieuwendyk,
“I would say pretty slow. We’ve had discussions , but I think it’s their prerogative to wait until after a new CBA, so that’s what we’ll do.”
- Renaud Lavoie via twitter: Would be a big surprise if P.K. Subban signs a contract extension before the lockout starts.
- Sarah McLellan via twitter: Shane Doan has a no-movement clause, and the $2 million bonus is deferred until the end of his contract.
- Darren Dreger via twitter: TSN’s Mike Johnson said that according to Doan, the Maple Leafs, Canucks, Rangers, Flyers, Predators and Penguins were in the mix. The Maple Leafs confirmed they made a strong pitch for Doan.
- George Richards of the Miami Herald: Even if training camp were to start on time, the Panthers would be without Erik Gudbranson and Kris Versteeg due to injuries. Dmitry Kulikov is still not signed. Versteeg had hip surgery after the playoffs last year, and was told it would be 4 to 6 months recovery. He said on Thursday that he’s a few months away. Versteeg’s injury is hockey related, so he’ll get paid and be able to use the teams facilities. Gudbranson’s injury was not hockey related, so he won’t be paid, and is expected to be out 4 months.