On the Goalie Market …
Stephen Whyno: It will be interesting to see how the goalie market ends up playing out. Jonathan Bernier has a connection with Flyers GM Ron Hextall. Teams are showing an interest in Senators UFA Mike Condon.
On Roman Polak …
David Pagnotta: The Toronto Maple Leafs are still in the mix for right handed defenseman Roman Polak. He’s getting a lot of interest from other teams as well.
On Christian Folin …
Frank Seravalli: The Minnesota Wild didn’t qualify defenseman Christian Folin but they are likely to re-sign him. If they don’t re-sign him he’ll be a UFA and would generate significant interest.
On Ilya Kovalchuk …
Mike Morreale: Devils GM Ray Shero on Ilya Kovalchuk: “I don’t know what he wants to do/what he’s going to do in the end, but we’ll find out prbably the next week or so”
On the New York Rangers …
Larry Brooks of the NY Post: Rangers GM Jeff Gorton continues contract talks with pending UFA defenseman Brendan Smith.
“Jeff and I are continuing to have a good dialogue,” agent Anton Thun told The Post on Monday. “Hopefully we’re working toward a resolution that would allow Brendan to return to the Rangers.
“Nothing has changed as far as Brendan is concerned in terms of his desire to sign a new contract with them. Obviously there’s a marketplace both sides are aware of that includes upcoming free agency and possible trades, but I think we’re trying to achieve the same objective.”
Smith’s agent wouldn’t say what they are looking for, but he could be looking for a four- or five-year deal at over $4 million a season.
The Rangers have contacted Sabres pending free agent Anders Nilsson.
Other goaltending options for the Rangers could include Antti Niemi, Keith Kinkaid, Mike Condon and Ondrej Pavelec.