- Stephen Whyno via twitter: Capitals goalie Michal Neuvirth tells iSport.cz that Braden Holtby is his “weakest competition yet.” Brian Stubits of CBS Sports: (Russian Machine Never Breaks translation) Neuvirth did clarify a little better,
He sure is a great goalie. But I can’t compare him to Voky or Varlamov, that’s what I meant. In comparison to those two, he played nothing in the NHL and that’s why I take him as the weakest of them three. I’m definitely not saying that he is bad, not at all. I actually like the way he plays. But he is the worst of them three, that’s all.
Neuvirth’s thoughts on Alexander Semin,
I see the leaving of Semin as a huge minus for the team, but then again I think it may do some good. He didn’t have the best work ethic. Maybe now when Ovi will be without him, he will put more into hockey. Maybe that’s what the management was going for. … I think it’s nothing that isn’t well known. If Semin wanted to, he could have been the best player in the world, but he doesn’t want to every day. And that’s wrong.
- Szymon Szemberg via twitter: Nail Yakupov’s agent, Igor Larionov, said that if there is a lockout, Yakupov will head to the KHL instead of returning to Sarnia of the OHL.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Larionov said his client Sergei Samsonov will get a tryout with the Sharks if there isn’t a lockout. Joe Haggerty via twitter: Samsonov’s agent Neil Abbott said there is no deal with the Sharks as of yet, and that they are speaking with several teams.
- Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: If there is a lockout, the Blue Jackets could send forwards Cam Atkinson and Ryan Johansen, and defensemen Tim Erixon and John Moore to the AHL.
- David Pagnotta via twitter: The NHL and NHLPA will meet today at 1 PM, with Gary Bettman and Don Fehr in attendance.