- Mike Halford of Pro Hockey Talk: The Blackhawks are currently $2.2 over the salary cap for this season. For 2015-16, the Blackhawks have $65 million committed for 15 players, a year in which Brandon Saad, Marcus Kruger and Nick Leddy will need new contracts. The 32-year old Patrick Sharp ($5.9 million cap hit) has been in the rumor mill since before July. He’s scored at least 30 goals in each of the past three seasons. He has a modified no-trade clause.
- Ben Raby of CSN Washington: UFA Jeff Halpern isn’t ready to retire just yet.
“If something comes along, I’d definitely jump on it,” Halpern said last week in a phone conversation with CSNWashington.com.
“My price tag isn’t very high anymore. I feel like I can fit in anywhere, so I’m not saying ‘I have to play for this team or that team.’”
It would be Halpern’s 15th season. He recorded five goals and seven assists in 69 games last season with the Coyotes.
“There have been a few conversations , but that’s about where it stops right now.”
- RDS: (google translate) The Canadiens and Francis Bouillon are in “intense negotiations” on a one-year deal. They were waiting for the P.K. Subban situation to resolve before moving on to Bouillon.
- Jim Matheson: Wondering if the Oilers are looking at Jake Gardiner’s new contract (five-years, $20.25 million) and thinking that it would work for Justin Schultz.