- John Shannon: Talk that some GMs are proposing a tweak to the playoff format. More division rivalries than cross-overs. Darren Dreger: Bullying, coaches fines, additional video review, hybrid icing, extending OT to 10 minutes, protective equipment and team’s ability to have players where them (mandatory shotblockers) are also being discussed. Renaud Lavoie: The PA and BOG approved the current realignment and playoff structure for three years.
- Igor Eronko: Milan Hejduk said he’s finally ready to retire, official announcement coming soon.
- Hope Smoke: Darren Dreger on TSN: “hockey Canada management may now shift to looking at Patrick Sharp or Tyler Seguin in place of Stamkos”
- Jeremy Rutherford: The Blues have signed defenseman Carlo Colaiacovo to a one-year, one-way deal worth $550,000. Will get a $66,000 bonus if he plays in 70% of their remaining games, another $66,000 for 80% and another $66,000 for 90% of their games.
- Erik Erlendsson: The Lightning have recalled JT Brown and Dmitry Korobov.
- Chris Nichols: Avalanche’s Semyon Varlamov has retained a new lawyer according to the Denver Post. Bond return date has been extended to December 2nd, so he is still able to travel with the team.
- WGR 550: Sabres coach Ron Rolston said they haven’t made up their mind on whether to keep Nikita Zadorov up or return him to junior.
- Minnesota Wild: The Wild assign Mike Rupp to the AHL on a conditioning loan. Keith Ballard was put on the IR.