- Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: Hornby says there is no indications that the Maple Leafs are close to acquiring Brad Richards or that he’ll waive his NTC before July 1st. The NY Daily News is saying the Leafs will be trying to acquire his rights to get a jump on negotiations. GM Brian Burke has said in the past that he doesn’t like giving up assets just to talk. If Burke can’t acquire a top line center through free agency, he’ll look at trade options. NY Post is saying that Richards would like to re-unite with John Tortorella, but with an asking price of $7 million, it may be too much for the Rangers.
- David Shoalts of the Globe and Mail: Burke is working the phones, laying the groundwork to move up in the 2011 NHL entry draft. He’s said for awhile that he’d like to package a 1st and 2nd round pick to move up. One of the problems is that there is competition to move up into top 15. The Blackhawks have 2 2nd round picks that they could include. He’d like to sign Richards, but won’t trade for his rights. He could make a trade for a No. 1 center but there is no clear target at this point. Richards will be looking for a 6-8 year deal worth upwards of $8 million per season. He’s 31 and coming off a concussion and hip issues. The Leafs would only be interested at less years and less money.
- Aaron Portzline via twitter: The Blue Jackets have talked with the Oilers and Flyers about the 8th overall pick. They have likely talked with other teams as well.
- Allen Panzeri of the Ottawa Citizen: Daniel Alfredsson had been attempting to avoid back surgery, but on Friday he’ll have surgery to correct a a nerve problem. Recovery is usually 4-6 weeks.
“He felt that to continue his career at the level he wants to, it’s the right thing to do,” said Murray. “It was a decision that he … was hoping he wouldn’t have to have.
“But the fact that the nerve … is affecting the muscle, in particular on the left side of his body in the hip area, he felt it was the right thing.”
- Slava Malamud via twitter: (Before the trade) Someone close to Ilya Bryzgalov may have leaked info involving the Capitals, creating ‘Bryzgalov-to-the-Caps’ rumors. Sport-Express reports that Bryzgalov is not talking with SKA and is looking at the Flyers, Lightning, and Capitals.
- CP in the Globe and Mail: The NHL returning to Quebec City as some point have taken a hit from political delays and legal threats.
“The optimal conditions for ensuring the return of a National Hockey League team are no longer aligned and the extra delays could compromise the ultimate objective,” Quebecor head Pierre Karl Peladeau said in a statement.
- David Pasgnotta via twitter: “Sounds like Craig Ramsay might not be back as Thrashers/whatever head coach next season. Cheveldayoff, expected GM, will bring in his own.”