- EJ Hradek via twitter: Hradek thinks the Dallas Stars would still like to trade Mike Ribeiro, but they can’t get the deal they’d like. He thinks they are looking for a top-4 defenseman.
- Ansar Kahn of MLive: The Red Wings have looked at Lukas Krajicek as their 6th defenseman, and may be a better fit than Willie Mitchell, as he’d come at a more affordable price. Mitchell probably wants more money than the Wings have available, and may not be comfortable with being the 5th/6th defenseman and getting less ice time. Andreas Lilja may be a better option than Krajicek, but the Red Wings were offering $1 million, and he was seeking $1.5 million.
- Ansar Kahn of MLive: After the Mike Modano signing, the Red Wings have 15 forwards, so it will likely mean they will have to trade or waive someone. Mattias Ritola or Drew Miller will be the likely candidates to be moved. Khan thinks Miller will be moved. Ritola has a higher offensive upside, and is signed for 3 years, while Miller is on a one year deal.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Senators have about $57.5 million (including Cheechoo and Emery buyouts) committed to 22 players. Their defensive corps currently consists of Sergei Gonchar, Chris Phillips, Filip Kuba, Erik Karlsson, Matt Carkner, Brian Lee and Chris Campoli, with youngster Jared Cowen and Patrick Weircioch waiting in the wings. Brian Lee could be moved. If they are looking to add some toughness to the back-end, Brendan Witt and Willie Mitchell could be options. The Senators may also look to add a top-6 forward through free agency (I didn’t realize there were any top-6 forwards available). If they add another forward, Ryan Shannon could be dealt or sent to the minors.
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: With the additions of Alexander Frolov and Todd White, it appears the Rangers may not be planning on having Wade Redden’s salary counting against the cap, possibly waiving him during training camp. Though the Rangers defense may have some question marks that may lead the Rangers to keeping him. Marc Staal still isn’t under contract, Steve Eminger may too expensive for a 7th defenseman, Matt Gilroy may not be progressing as much as the Rangers had hoped, and what if Redden bounces back to his Senators days. The Norweigen Hobbit, Mats Zuccarello-Aasen, who was signed last spring, may find himself in the minors.
- Toronto Sun: Reports are the that Vesa Toskala will be heading to play in Sweden next season. Farjestad may be looking for a goalie since their current goalie, Robin Rahm, tested positive for a banned substance and may be a 2 year ban.