Darren Dreger via twitter: Nail Yakupov’s agent, Igor Larionov: “We expect to make some comments by this weekend…” “Hopefully all sides will find the common sense to let the kid play hockey in his hometown.” Louis Jean via twitter: The big issues regarding Yakupov, is that if Sarnia releases him and he makes the Oilers this year or next. Sarnia would get money when an under age player makes the NHL. Teams get $75,000 if an 18 year old makes it, $50,000 if a 19 year old makes it.
Andy Strickland of True Hockey: John Davidson negotiated a “buyout” and will step down as the St. Louis Blues. It is expected to be finalized in the next few days. Davidson had 3 years left on a 4 year deal, and was owed $6.1 million. The hockey department has been financially handcuffed over the last couple years. The Blues may have lost $20 million last season according to a source.
Matias Strozyk via twitter: John Tavares will be joining Mark Streit and Roman Josi with SC Bern in Switzerland.
