- Paul Hamilton of WGR 550: Sabres Tomas Vanek is back in town and skated with teammates this week. Vanek said that he never asked to be traded, nor is he looking for a contract extension right now.
“No, I never asked to be traded so when people do mention it, I’m surprised. Did I think I was going to get traded, no because I never once went in there and said I don’t want to be here. I said, ‘Right now I’m not looking for an extension, but not saying that I wouldn’t want one down the road, but right now I just want to see where it goes’.” Vanek added, “We’re a young team, we’re rebuilding and those are my words, so I’m keeping my options open.”
- Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer: Hurricanes Jeff Skinner’s new deal kicks in this year: six-years with a $5.75 million cap hit. Skinner on the weight of the bigger deal,
“It is what it is, I guess. I don’t know. Everyone is aware of it.
“I mean, it’s not going to change the way I play or change my attitude toward the game. Just because you’re on a new contract doesn’t change your attitude or your perspective. Going into the offseason, just like last offseason, my goal was to get better and come to camp as prepared as you can be. I think I’ve done that.”
Skinner had trained with Gary Roberts in the past, but switched to the same strength and fitness trainer that Sidney Crosby uses.
- Steve Conroy of the Boston Herald: Jarome Iginla may be the best candidate to replace Nathan Horton on the right side of David Krejci and Milan Lucic.
- Damian Cristodero: The Lightning’s plan is to have Ben Bishop and Andres Lindback share duties in net to start the season.
- Katie Strang of ESPN: Rangers defenseman Marc Staal’s eye injury is doing well.
“Everything’s back to normal and I’m feeling really good.”
- Darren Dreger: The Wild have put Bjorn Krupp on unconditional waivers for the purpose of terminating his contract.