Shelly Anderson of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: The Pittsburgh Penguins are hoping to sign both Dan Hamhuis and Sergei Gonchar, loading up on their blueline and sacrificing bringing in a winger or two. Along with Gonchar and Hamhuis, they would have Brooks Orpik, Kris Letand and Alex Goligoski in their top 5. This would give an opportunity to some of their young forward, giving them a chance at claiming spot with the big club. I think the Pens would have to get both at a reasonable number (or reasonable combined number) to make this a reality.
Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: It appears the Washington Capitals won’t be able to afford Anton Volchenkov, so they may turn their eyes to Willie Mitchell. Mitchell made about $3.5 million last season with the Canucks, and has had concussion problems. If the Penguins can’t sign Dan Hamhuis before July 1st, the Canucks are rumored to be interested in him. The St. Louis Blues and Jaroslav Halak could be talking about a deal in the $4 million range. Marty Turco could end up in San Jose for $3 million.
Myfoxphilly.com: While the Flyers hope to sign Evgeni Nabokov before he hits free agency, the San Jose Sharks are reportedly interested in former Flyers goalie, Michael Leighton.
Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: The Columbus Blue Jackets don’t expect to do much on July 1st when the free agency period opens. GM Scott Howson has a few things in mind, but won’t overpay and inturn, hurting the team in the long run. They will look to sign a 4th line center, and may look at a trade or 2 to rebuild their blueline. 5 players they could look at, at a $1 million or less are: Adam Burish, Dominic Moore, Ryan Johnson, Krys Barch and Ryan Hollweg. It might take a couple months for them to make a trade for a defenseman. The Jackets have $47.6 million tied up in 18 players, not including Nikita Filatov who is expected to be back.
John Vogl of the Buffalo News: With the salary cap increasing by $2.6 million to $59.4, teams have a little more room to sign their own free agents, or keep a player or 2 they may have had to trade due to cap restraints. The Sabres would like to bring back Henrik Tallinder and Toni Lydman, but both may believe there is more money for them in the open market. “They’d like to come back, we’d love to have them back, but you’ve got so much money to spend — it doesn’t matter what team you are, you make decisions.” The Sabres will also be looking at the trade route, and will be buyers instead of sellers.
