- Dan Murphy via twitter: Willie Mitchell has worked out for the Kings, Sharks, and Canucks. Capitals next. No confirmation on LA offer.
- Dan Murphy via twitter: No hometown discount for Mitchell and the Canucks, especially if the Kings may be offering a 2 year deal.
- Dan Murphy via twitter: Canucks GM Mike Gillis would like to keep Mitchell, and he’d like to stay, but he may not get the best deal from Vancouver.
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Heika is asked about the possibility of the Stars going after Kevin Bieksa. Bieksa will make $3.75 million this season, and the Canucks are close to the cap and may not want to take much salary back. The Stars are on a tight internal budget and it might not fit well, plus he’d on the last year of his deal. They would have up a good young prospect for him.
- Sports-Express: Alexander Shapiro is reporting that the Devils have offered Ilya Kovalchuk a contract for over 10 years. It could clear up in the next few days.
- Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: The Kovalchuk contract rejection (and other investigations) could impact the contract extension for Zdeno Chara. The 33-year old Chara will be a free agent after this season, and given his dedication to fitness, it wouldn’t be a shock if he were able to sign a 10-year contract and play until he’s 43. A 10-year deal could be cap friendly with not a huge drop off at the end. Would the NHL go for it? The 2 sides have talked, and would like to get something done before the season, but it isn’t a necessity. The Flyers, Sharks and Capitals could be interested in Antti Niemi.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: Blues interested in Bill Sweatt but won’t be meeting this week.
- Will DePaoli via twitter: As of mid yesterday afternoon, Penguins hadn’t connected Bill Sweatt.
- Andreas Liden of St.ru: Freddy Modin is heading back to his Columbus home, is still looking for a new team to play for this year.