- Jason Botchford of the Vancouver Province: The Canucks are thin on top-six wingers and could use a healthy David Booth. The Canucks couldn’t buyout Booth this summer since he was injured. He still hasn’t been cleared to return. If he isn’t cleared, Nicklas Jensen could get an opportunity.
- Allen Panzeri of the Ottawa Citizen: Senators Erik Karlsson said his Achilles injury is not a 100 percent, but it won’t hinder his game this season.
“The normal feeling isn’t there, but I’m getting used to not normal,” he said. “It’s not really connecting down there.”
“It feels good, actually,” he said. “I’m a little bit surprised myself.
“I’ve been able to do most of the normal stuff that I usually do in the summer.
“I’ve been trying to get it back as strong as quickly as possible, and as of right now I don’t think I will have any concerns going into training camp.”
- Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Blues Jaroslav Halak has remained in St. Louis this offseason to work with the Blues strength and conditioning coach. Ken Hitchcock,
“(But) Halak hasn’t lost his starting job due to his play. He lost his starting job due to injury, so there’s a difference. If Brian comes in and takes the job, that’s one thing. My feeling is training camp is for evaluation, but to me it’s status quo as long as both guys are healthy.”
Halak on moving on from the incident at the end of last season.
“I went through some adversity and I wasn’t happy about it,” he said. “I was frustrated at the end of the season. I was injured and I didn’t play, so obviously everything built up. I want to prove it, especially to myself, that I can still play and that I can perform.”
Halak on being in trade rumors.
“I wasn’t worried about it,” Halak said. “Whatever happens, happens. I’m happy here. Last season was a bad season for me, but I was still happy that I could be here and part of the team.”
