Quick Hits: Red Wings injuries and the Panthers want their 1st pick to play right away
Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: Red Wings forward Mikael Samuelsson will need off-season shoulder surgery. Jimmy Howard was playing with a pulled hamstring which happened at the end of the Ducks series. Niklas Kronwall injured his shoulder…
Free Agent Hits: Ryder, Thomas, Backstrom, Raanta, Regehr, Belov, Lehtera, Gibson and Omark
Ryan Dadoun Pro Hockey Talk: The Jounal de Montreal was told by Canadiens Michael Ryder's agent, that his client is not part of their future. Ryder will become a UFA. Bob McKenzie: The Islanders won't be "tolling" Tim Thomas's contract…
Coaching Hits: Lightning, Oilers, Stars, Canucks and Rangers
Craig Custance: Lightning GM Steve Yzerman has declined to say if teams have asked permission to speak with Guy Boucher. Added that it would be up to the hiring team to break the news. Bob McKenzie: The Oilers and Lightning…
Morning Hits: Avs first overall, Time to part ways with Horcoff and Hemsky? Havlat on way out?
Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Some potential trade scenarios involving the Avalanche's 1st overall pick.1. Trade the 1st pick to the Panthers (No. 2) or Lightning (No. 3) for an establish player or two and their own 1st round…
Free Agent Notes: Filppula, Devils, Raffl and Belov
Joe Yerdon: If Red Wings Valtteri Filppula doesn't re-sign, Yerdon keeps thinking the Flames. Tom Gulitti of the Bergon Record: The Devils have begun contract talks with Patrick Elias, David Clarkson and Dainius Zubrus. “We’re talking to all of them…
Quick Hits: Maloney, Eakins, Devils and Avalanche
Sarah McLellan: Only one coaching plan at the moment for Coyotes GM Don Maloney: "We're not thinking about other coaches. We're thinking one guy, and that's all we want." Both sides are close on terms of a new deal, but there is…
Senators Notes: Looking for offensive help, could move prospects
Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Both GM Bryan Murray and coach Paul MacLean have said the Senators need more scoring next season. They be going over the unrestricted free agents and finding out who might be available on the trade…
Avalanche Notes: Allaire, Roy and the possibility of trading the first overall pick
Adrian Dater: Not certain, but Francois Allaire could be getting a cal from Roy as possibly the Avs goalie coach. Renaud Lavoie: Patrick Roy will be talking to other GM's about trades. Roy has told Joe Sakic that they should…
Quick Hits: Allaire, Cole, Tippett and Smith
Louis Jean: Francois Allaire has been contacted by several teams, "I can't say for certain I'll be back in the NHL I've done this job for 28 years. At the same time I'm not saying I'm not interested. We'll evaluate the opportunities."…
Playoff Hits: Start times, Stoll, Vlasic and Couture
Dan Rosen: The Eastern Conference finals will start in Pittsburgh on Saturday at 8 pm ET. Mark Lazerus: If the Blackhawks win tonight, Game 1 would be on Saturday at 5 pm ET, with Game 2 going on Sunday at 8…
Rangers Hits: Richards, Lundqvist, McDonagh, Stepan, Clowe, Hagelin and Zuccarello
Katie Strang of ESPN: Despite talk of a buyout, Rangers Brad Richards wants to stay. “I signed here to be a Ranger a lot longer than a year and a half,” he said. “I still hope to do that, but…
Quick Hits: Draft, Ference and Stars head coaching position
Bob McKenzie: The NHL draft will be June 30th, starting at 3 pm ET with all 7 round. Matt Kalman: Bruins coach Claude Julien on Andrew Ference: "he’s obviously on the mend. But not ready to say he’s ready to…