- Tom Gulitti of the Bergon Record: Martin Brodeur left last night game in the 2nd period after taking a Patrick Kane shot in the right elbow. Brodeur thinks he’ll be able to go on Friday against the Rangers. “I knew exactly what was wrong,” he said. “They just wanted to do an X-ray because they have the machine here…But there’s no issue there. It’s just a question of swelling and getting a little strength back in it.”
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: Anton Volchenkov is expected to return on Friday from his broken nose and stiff neck.
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: Brian Rolston is close to returning to practice according to GM Lou Lamoriello.
- John Buccigross of ESPN: Buccigross wonders if the Devils struggles and cap fallout will impact whether Zach Parise will want to re-sign with the team long-term. Parise is a RFA not a UFA at seasons end, “so he would either have to inform the Devils he has no intention of signing long term with them and force a trade or politely decline all contract offers until the Devils get the picture.”
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Tomas Kaberle rumors are picking up again, but agent Rick Curran said “There’s no reason for any talk to commence. Nothing has changed from our standpoint. So whatever the media has initiated and tried … I can assure you it’s certainly not coming from me and I know it’s not coming from Tomas. … My understanding of the situation is that unless we were to initiate conversation, then there shouldn’t be one.” The loss of Dion Phaneuf for 4-6 weeks makes Kaberle even more valuable to the Maple Leafs. The Buffalo Sabres are off to a slow start, but GM Darcy Regier will continue to be patient. Regier is talking to other teams, and he doesn’t think getting rid of coach Lindy Ruff is an option at the moment. Ducks GM Bob Murray said that coach Randy Carlyle’s job is safe. Contract talks between the Phoenix Coyotes and upcoming UFAs, Ilya Bryzgalov and Ed Jovanovski, are on hold until the team is officially sold. If a deal was present that was “phenomenal” for the team, they would do it.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: David Backes recently turned down a contract offer from the St. Louis Blues, but they are not that far apart.
- Eric Stephens of the OC Register: Joffery Lupul skated with his Duck teammates at yesterday’s morning skate. Lupul was on for a light skate, and is not taking contact, but it was a good first step for him as he continues to recover from back issues and infections. He’ll continue to take antibiotics and his last blood test didn’t show any further infection. Carlyle said he won’t be “on the radar until somewhere around Thanksgiving.”
- Kevin Allen of the USA Today: The Thrashers were criticized when they said that Dustin Byfuglien would be playing on the blue line. Well, it is a move that has worked for them, as he’s recorded 10 points in 11 games. His defensive game is improving. Some of his success may stem from the the fact that he asked to play defense, he’s getting more ice time and is having success jumping into the play with more open room.
- Eric Stephens via twitter: The Anaheim Ducks haven’t allowed less than 2 goals in a game this year. They are 5-7-1, tied for 2nd last in the Western Conference.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The Edmonton Oilers have hired Kimberley Amirault, a sports psychologist. She has worked with the Rangers, Blue Jackets, Knicks and Canadian Olympic teams.