- Derek Van Diest of the Edmonton Sun: Oilers Jordan Eberle knows his name is in the rumor mill.
“It’s part of the game,” Eberle said. “There are certain things that you read or you see on TSN or Twitter. It’s such a social-media world now, that some guy in his basement starts a rumour and everyone is talking about it.
“You have to deal with that stuff. I’d love to be an Edmonton Oiler forever and try to turn this thing around. But all I can focus on is trying to focus on my next game and our next win.”
The Flyers had inquired about Eberle earlier this year. GM Craig MacTavish and owner Daryl Katz have said they are not interested in trading any of their young core for a short-term fix.
- Jonathan Willis of the Edmonton Journal: Bob McKenzie has stated that there could be some massive changes this offseason for the Oilers, with possibly some big moves at the trade deadline. The Oilers will move Ales Hemsky if they can get something for him. McKenzie added the Oilers have been exploring their options for Sam Gagner. Ryan Smyth could become a rental. McKenzie thinks the Oilers could look at moving their 1st round pick, maybe Jordan Eberle or Nail Yakupov, but that would likely have to happen after the season.
- Luke DeCock of the Raleigh News & Observer: Cam Ward is getting close to returning to the lineup, and the play of pending UFA Anton Khudobin is presenting the Hurricanes with some options. Khudobin is two years younger than Ward and would be a lot cheaper than Ward’s $6.3 million salary cap hit that runs through 2015-16. Ward has been inconsistent and has been battling injuries. They don’t have to decide now, but will be thinking on it as they get closer to free agency on July 1st. The Canes can’t afford to re-sign Khudobin and keep Ward.
- Mike Halford: If the Sharks were to buyout Martin Havlat, they would have $16 million to send on free agents this offseason. Dan Boyle will get his contract and Jason Demers will get a raise, but it still leave them with some nice spending money.
- Kevin Kurz of CSN Bay Area: Eyes now turn to Sharks pending UFA Dan Boyle after Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau signed their deals yesterday. Boyle:
“As for myself, I don’t have anything to report.”
GM Doug Wilson on Boyle:
“There will be ongoing discussions with several of our other players. Dan is in a different situation than Joe and Patty, and a different type of contract, but we certainly will be exploring and continuing negotiations to try and get Dan signed,” Wilson said.
The 37-year old Boyle is believed to be looking for at least a two-year deal.
- Dirk Hoag: Predators fans may be surprised at the contract David Legwand will get this summer. There will be lots of teams looking for centers and not many centers available.
- Dave Stubbs: If there comes a time when Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin believes that there is a coaching issue, it is up to him to change it. What the fans may think with regards to this is not relevant to the decision making process. If/when owner Geoff Molson thinks that Bergevin is not able to lead the Canadiens, he’ll be gone.
- Adrian Dater via Sulia: Scouting the Avalache-Panthers game: Blackhawks (4 people including GM Stan Bowman), Senators (3), Blue Jackets (2), Penguins (2), Rangers, Jets and Kings. There were NHL meetings the other in Florida, so that could could explain Blackhawks having four people at the game.