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Morning notes: Crosby, Red Wings, van Riemsdyk, Nash, Avalanche, Bruins, Asham, Niskanen, Maple Leafs, and Blue Jackets
Mark Easson
Shelly Anderson of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Anderson confirms there have only been preliminary talks between the Penguins and Sidney Crosby’s side. Blogs and 1 media outlet are reporting that they have agreed or settled on a 9 year, $90 million deal. Alex Ovechkin carries the highest cap hit at $9.538 million.
Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News: After trading Brad Stuart to the Sharks, and the retirement of Nicklas Lidstrom, the Red Wings need some defensemen, either by trade or free agency. Ryan Suter, Matt Carle, Barret Jackman and Dennis Wideman are UFAs that will gain interest around the league. The Red Wings will be interested in Justin Schultz. “We’ll be active,” Holland said. “We’ve lost two quality defensemen.”
Craig Custance via twitter: If the Red Wings can’t get Ryan Suter, it wouldn’t be a surprise if they made a push for Matt Carle and Bryce Salvadore.
Helene St. James via twitter: Brad Stuart on Red Wings GM Ken Holland: “To make this move speaks volumes for the Wings. If it doesn’t work out, Ken indicated they’d still like to have me.”
Ansar Khan via twitter: Red Wings GM Holland is prepared to make an offer to Jiri Hudler. He spoke with Hudler’s agent last week, but Hudler is still deciding if he wants to test free agency.
Howard Eskin via twitter: Flyers James van Riemsdyk is delaying having surgery on his torn labrum, which could holdup a trade. The Flyers like Rick Nash with a “possible” trade can’t really happen until van Riemsdyk is 100%. Dustin Leed via twitter: Leed’s sources have always said the Flyers have liked Nash, but a trade is unlikely. Same sources have said adding a defenseman is their top priority and that they would go after an “impact D” first and maybe moving up in the draft.
Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: The Avalanche’s payroll is just over $30 million, but they have an RFA list that includes: Matt Duchene, Ryan O’Reilly, Erik Johnson, Peter Mueller, Steve Downie, Ryan Wilson and Jamie McGinn. UFAs they may want to re-sign are Jay McClement and Shane O’Brien. It’s unlikely they will try to sign Ryan Suter or Zach Parise. They could make an offer on Shane Doan, Olli Jokinen, or Matt Carle.
Joe Haggerty of CSNNE: The Bruins are getting close on multi-year deals for Chris Kelly and Gregory Campbell.
Josh Yohe via twitter: Penguins UFA Aaron Asham and Matt Niskanen want to come back. It’s not known what Steve Sullivan is wanting to do.
Steve Simmons via twitter: When the Maple Leafs made the deal which sent Francois Beauchemin to the Ducks for Jake Gardiner and Joffrey Lupul, they originally wanted Justin Schultz but the Ducks said no on Schultz.
Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: The Maple Leafs would like to move up in the draft, and Luke Schenn could be involved. The Oilers may want to move their pick, and the Canadiens may be thinking of trading down as well.