- Josh Rimer: Rimer is hearing IF the Sabres trade Thomas Vanek, he’d like to play for the Wild as he lives and trains their in the summer. Rimer doubts the Wild would trade for him, but he could sign with them when he’s a UFA at the end of the season and when Dany Heatley’s contract is done.
- Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: The Penguins will start camp about $1.1 million over the salary cap, and defenseman Matt Niskanen realizes the numbers they have on the blueline.
“I know the situation we’re in, being over the cap,” Niskanen said after an informal workout Monday at the Ice Castle inCastle Shannon. “It’s pretty evident that Ray has to make a decision. Someone who probably otherwise is a regular on our roster .”
- Ansar Khan: Red Wings coach Mike Babcock said that Pavel Datsyuk will play with Henrik Zetterberg and that Stephen Weiss will play with Johan Franzen. The other two wingers haven’t been decided yet. Daniel Alfredsson will be on one of the lines. Justin Abdelkader could be on one of the lines or with Darren Helm on the third line. Babcock added that Alfredsson will play the point on the powerplay with Niklas Kronwall.
- Ian Menes: Senators coach Paul MacLean met with Bobby Ryan yesterday and talked for the first time. They had a long talk but didn’t talk about potential linemates.
- Mike Morreale: Predators coach Barry Trotz confirmed that Carton Hutton will back up Pekka Rinne this season. Goalie Magnus Hellberg is “getting there.”
- Aaron Portzline: Talk that Nikolai Zherdev’s contract has been cancelled by his KHL after his DUI charges. The KHL is considering adding a ‘Zherdev rule’ that could give teams the option to void contracts after DUI convictions or other alcohol related issues.
- Bob McKenzie: Oilers GM Craig MacTavish and Ales Hemsky will meet with the media this morning for likely a “turn the page” session.
- Tom Gulitti of the Bergon Record: Devils coach Peter DeBoer on their goaltending situation:
“No. Not really. Those things sort themselves out. Marty’s back. Marty’s our starting goaltender and we’ve got a fantastic 1A in Cory Schneider.”