Not looking good for Henrik Zetterberg
Ansar Khan: Detroit Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill said it’s not looking like forward Henrik Zetterberg will be ready for the start of the season, and if he isn’t, he may not play at all this season. They will find out more when they do their pre-camp physicals in September.
Craig Custance: Blashill had been speaking with Zetterberg who said he hasn’t really been able to train this offseason due to his back. It may be impossible for Zetterberg to play this year without the proper offseason preparation.
Ansar Khan: Blashill said that if Zetterberg doesn’t play, Andreas Athanasiou will be their third-line center behind Dylan Larkin and Frans Nielsen. Luke Glendening will center their fourth-line. Darren Helm will play on the wing.
Jets sign 2017 first-round pick Kristen Vesalainen
Ken Wiebe: The Winnipeg Jets have signed Kristen Vesalainen to an entry-level contract with a max AAV of $1.492 million if he reaches all bonuses. If he doesn’t make the Jets, he has a clause that allows him to return to Europe during the first year.
Mike McIntrye: After getting Vesalainen signed to an entry-level, GM Kevin Cheveldayoff still have a couple players needing contracts – RFAs Josh Morrissey, Eric Comrie, and JC Lipon.
Martin Brodeur leaving the Blues
Jeremy Rutherford of The Athletic: Multiple sources confirming that after four seasons Martin Brodeur is leaving the St. Louis Blues. Brodeur had been an assistant GM for the Blues for the past three seasons.
There had been some speculation that Brodeur could end up in Montreal. A couple months ago Brodeur said he’d be looking to cut back on some of his responsibilities.
It’s believed that he’d like to return to the New Jersey Devils organization.
Greg Wyshynski: “This is a little confusing. The Devils currently have Ray Shero, Tom Fitzgerald, Dan MacKinnon and a just added Chuck Fletcher in hockey ops. Unless it’s Marty just taking whatever and being closer to home, the NJD front office is pretty full.”