- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Coyotes Mike Smith, GM Don Maloney and coach Dave Tippett don’t have contracts for next season. Smith is seeking $6 million a season.The Sabres could fire GM Darcy Regier and replace him Rick Dudley. Regier could be kept on in a consultants role.The Canucks won’t amnesty buyout Roberto Luongo. GM Mike Gillis still believes that someone will trade for him. Luongo may have to expand his list. The Oilers made a pitch last summer, but he didn’t want to go there. Same with Toronto.
Players in St. Louis may be getting tired of coach Ken Hitchcock’s antics. The picking them apart and calling them out is getting old for some.
Oilers GM Craig MacTavish may look to make a trade that has immediate results. Two players that teams may target are Sam Gagner and Ales Hemsky.
Jarome Iginla could end up signing with the Kings after July 5th.
- James Mirtle: It seems unlikely that the Maple Leafs won’t re-sign Phil Kessel before his contract runs out after next season.