On first overall picks …
Andrew Walker: Since 1987 (31-years ago) there have only been five first overall draft picks that have won the Stanley Cup: Mike Modano, Vincent Lecavalier, Patrick Kane, Sidney Crosby and Marc-Andre Fleury.
On the Carolina Hurricanes …
Frank Seravalli: The Hurricanes have terminated Ron Francis’ contract and he’s been relieved of all duties. Joe Nieuwendyk resigned as their pro scout and senior advisor.
Elliotte Friedman: Don Waddell will remain as the Hurricanes GM for now. They weren’t able to complete a deal with Sabres Steve Greeley to be their GM and they don’t have any plans to add a GM in the near term.
On the Dallas Stars …
Sean Shapiro: Valeri Nichushkin’s season is now over but he has an injury and won’t play in the World Championships. It’s not a serious injury that would factor into his availability for the Stars next season.
On the Minnesota Wild …
Sarah McLellan: The Wild signed Sam Anas to a two-year, two-way deal.
On the Ottawa Senators …
John Shannon: Nothing of substance came out of the meeting with Pierre Dorion and Guy Boucher. There are still some decisions that need to be made and more could be known by the end of this week.
On the San Jose Sharks …
Curtis Pashelka: Forward Joonas Donskoi missed last night with a lower-body injury.
Curtis Pashelka: Coach Pete DeBoer doesn’t think that Donskoi’s injury is serious.
On the Washington Capitals …
Tarik El-Bashir: Coach Barry Trotz said that Andre Burakovsky and his upper-body injury should resume skating soon. Trotz wouldn’t say when, but it could be this week.
Isabelle Khurshdyan: Trotz said that forward T.J. Oshie is fine after blocking a shot with his hand in their last game. Oshie is traveling with the team, Burakovsky isn’t.
On the Winnipeg Jets …
Scott Billeck: Forward Mathieu Perreault was wearing a regular jersey at practice yesterday but it’s not known yet if he’ll be in the lineup on Game 3. Coach Paul Maurice said there isn’t much of an update on defenseman Dmitry Kulikov until he stops wearing a no-contact jersey.