- Mike Vorkunov of the Star-Ledger: Devils forward Zach Parise said his left ankle is a not a problem for him. Even if there was something wrong, he said he wouldn’t tell the media anything.
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: The Penguins still hope to be able to re-sign Sidney Crosby and Jordan Staal, but if they can’t get both done at a reasonable number, Staal could hit the trade market. Several teams will be interested, including the Carolina Hurricanes. Staal has one year left on his deal, and the Hurricanes may be willing to give up a little more than other teams. Crosby’s agent:
“Yes, we’ve had preliminary discussions with the Penguins. I’ve talked to Ray Shero about a contract extension for Sidney,” Crosby’s agent Pat Brisson told ESPN.com on Friday. “It’s early in the process. Hopefully we’re able to make some progress, obviously.”
Under the current CBA rules, some teams may look at trading for Tim Thomas, suspend him so they don’t have to pay his salary, and use his cap number to get past the salary floor. Senators GM Bryan Murray on Filip Kuba:
“We’re interested in keeping him, but obviously it has to make sense for us financially,” Murray said.
- Apron Basu via twitter: RDS is reporting that Michel Therrien met with Gerard Gallant to discuss the Canadiens assistant coaching job. Gallant said that 2 other teams are in the mix.
- Kevin Kurz of CSNBayArea: If the Sharks are still interested in pursuing Rick Nash, they have some goaltenders that may interest the Blue Jackets. The Sharks have 5 goalies under contract, Antti Niemi (3 more years at $3.8 million), Thomas Greiss and prospects Alex Stalock, Tyson Sexsmith and Harri Sateri. Niemi may interest the Blue Jackets, and Stalock’s stock is fair high.
- Peter Adler of the Edmonton Journal: Russian sources are saying that CSKA Moscow are interested in Alexander Radulov and Alexander Semin. Semin’s agent has repeatedly shot down news that Semin is returning to Russia next season.
- Katie Carrera of the Washington Post: Capitals GM George McPhee called Jeff Halpern to let him know that he won’t try to re-sign the free agent. Halpren was scratched for 12 of the their last 15 regular season games and for the first 12 playoff games.
- Joanie Godin in Canoe.ca(via google translate): Flyers Ian Laperriere has not played since June 9th, 2010, and will be retiring from the NHL. He has played due to a concussion and eye injury.
“It’s been a long as I expect, because my condition did not improve last year, he told during a telephone interview.
“I am able to have a normal life, but have a normal life and play in the NHL, this is not the same thing.”