Morning Hits: Niederreiter, Malone, Clowe, Leafs and Milano
  • Michael Russo: Nino Niederreiter’s contract with the Wild is for three-years, $8 million, a $2.66 million cap hit.
  • Pat Leonard: Ryan Malone’s deal with the Rangers is for one-year, two-way, $700,000 in the NHL and $100,000 in the AHL.
  • Tom Gulitti: Devils Ryane Clowe has been seeing a neurologist and another specialist about his neck stemming from his latest concussion. Clowe said that his concussion and neck issue “all kind of goes together.” It is similar to what Sidney Crosby went through. Clowe: “I feel confident I’ll be able to play a whole year without worrying about this and not letting it affect how I play.”
  • Stephen Whyno: The Maple Leafs are bringing defensemen Henrik Tallinder and Brendan Mikkelson to training camp on a PTO.
  • Hope Smoke: Darren Dreger: “When you look at the depth the Leafs are boasting, they look at their bottom 6 & are intrigued by that.” … “When they look at their blueline they are wondering about what they can get from the young guys.” … “I haven’t spoken to Nonis or Shanahan yet, but this appears to just be a project play.” … “If they’re better than the young guys in camp then you offer them a deal and see if they take it.” … “You do have to think about the AHL as well. Camp is a big thing. You are not only looking at the Leafs, but the Marlies as well.”
  • Aaron Portzline: Blue Jackets 1st round pick Sonny Milano signed an entry level deal: $925,000 base with bonuses up to $400,000.  $92,500 signing bonus and a $70,000 AHL salary.