Kevin Allen of the USA Today: Top 25 potential unrestricted free agents:
1. Johnny Boychuk (NYI)
2. Marc Staal (NYR)
3. Christian Ehrhoff (PIT)
4. Carl Soderberg (BOS)
5. Mike Green (WSH)
6. Antoine Vermette (ARI)
7. Cody Franson (TOR)
8. Paul Martin (PIT)
9. Mike Ribeiro (NSH)
10. Martin St. Louis (NYR)
11. Johnny Oduya (CHI)
12. Matt Beleskey (ANA)
13. Jeff Petry (EDM)
14. Francois Beauchemin (ANA)
15. Justin Williams (LA)
16. Mats Zuccarello (NYR)
17. Jhonas Enroth (BUF)
18. Brad Richards (CHI)
19. Jiri Tlusty (CAR)
20. Michal Frolik (WPG)
21. Eric Fehr (WSH)
22. Barret Jackman (STL)
23. Lubomir Visnovsky (NYI)
24. Curtis Glencross (CGY)
25. Erik Cole (DAL)
Eric Stephens: Red Wings Gustav Nyquist and Panthers Vincent Trocheck were fined $2,000 each for diving.
Hope Smoke: David Poile on TSN radio: “I love Kessel as a player. Who wouldn’t want what he produces from an offensive standpoint on their team? I’ve read all the things about Kessel being uncoachable &, from my experience, that’s not the case. In terms of him having issues getting along with teammates, playing his role & performing for his coach, absolutely not.”
Patrick Williams: Jets coach Paul Maurice on Dustin Byfuglien: if he keeps playing the way he has been, he’ll be staying on defense.
Iain MacIntyre: Canucks GM Jim Benning said on TSN 1040 radio that “all signs point towards” Jake Virtanen challenging for a roster spot next season.
Matthew Sekeres: Benning said that Gustav Forsling will stay in SEL for at least one more season. He needs to add strength.
Renaud Lavoie: On waivers yesterday: Julien Brouillette (Jets), Michal Jordan and Zach Boychuk (Hurricanes).
Chris Johnston: Maple Leafs send Carter Ashton to the AHL after clearing waivers yesterday.
