Larry Brooks of the NY Post: The Blackhawks could have some cap issues in the future. Marian Hossa contract runs through 2020-21, but if the 34-year old retires before it expires, they could get hit with a minimum of $4.6 million to a max of $9.2 million salary cap hit. They have about $4.6 million to fill 6 roster spots for next season. Brooks suggests the Blackhawks may have to use an amnesty buyout on Hossa to avoid future issues. Brooks thinks the asking price for Corey Perry on the open market would be for $9.5 – $10 million for 7 years.
Eric Francis of the Calgary Sun: With each loss, it makes it easier to trade Jarome Iginla. “The frustration of staying loyal to an organization that continually spins its wheels as time ticks away on your chance to win a Stanley Cup is clearly mounting, as Iginla takes one final week or two to decide if he wants to end his 18-year relationship with the Flames.” Iginla hasn’t yet told his agent which direction he wants to pursue. It would have to be tempting to put the Penguins, Bruins and Blackhawks on his wish it he decides to move on. The Kings could also be tempting.
Michael Traikos of the National Post: The Maple Leafs could be both buyers and sellers leading up to the April 3rd trade deadline day. Will GM Dave Nonis look to trade their healthy scratches (Mike Komisarek and John-Michael Liles)? Turn their pending UFAs into draft picks? Acquire a top-line center like Avalanche’s Paul Stastny or stay the course? Nonis’ priority is to get the Leafs into the playoffs, and he’s made it clear he won’t mortgage the future to get there. He does realize though that they have 6 UFAs and 6 RFAs. Clarke MacArthur will be a big decision as he’s in the last year of a 3 year, $9.75 million deal. Nonis may not trade MacArthur for picks, but would he move him to the Sharks for Ryane Clowe? The Leafs will have to decide on Tyler Bozak as well.
Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Matheson lists the top 20 unrestricted free agents that could be dealt: 1. Corey Perry (Ana) 2. Jarome Iginla (Cal) 3. Ryane Clowe (SJ) 4. Valterri Filppula (Det) 5. David Clarkson (NJ) 6. Daniel Alfredsson (Ott) 7. Mark Streit (NYI) 8. Brenden Morrow (Dal) 9. Robyn Regehr (Buf) 10. Nik Antropov (Wpg) 11. Ron Hainsey (Wpg) 12. Ryan Whitney (Edm) 13. Nikolai Khabibulin (Edm) 14. Pierre-Marc Bouchard (Min) 15. Matt Cullen (Min) 16. Ian White (Det) 17. Ryan Jones (Edm) 18. Jordan Leopold (Buf) 19. Ryan O’Byrne (Col) 20. Stephen Weiss (Fla)
