On Chris Pronger, Jaromir Jagr and Mike Condon …
Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Chris Pronger’s NHL contract will finally expire next month. He’s been working with the NHL Department of Player Safety and would like to become a GM one day.
“I’m very interested one day in becoming a GM,” Pronger told ESPN.com. “I have a lot to learn and need to put some work in. But down the road at some point, under the right circumstances, it’s definitely something I’m interested in pursuing.”
Pronger has spoken with, and got advice from Kings VP Rob Blake, Ducks GM Bob Murray, Blues GM Doug Armstrong, Lightning GM Steve Yzerman and others.
LeBrun has been told that Florida Panthers winger Jaromir Jagr is “leaning” towards playing again next season. He won’t make an official decision until after this season. The Panthers are interested in bringing him back at the right price.
Ottawa Senators goalie Mike Condon is UFA at the end of the season and will get a nice raise from his current $575,000 salary. Contract talks with the Senators are in the early stages. For the Senators to bring him back, it would have to be at a dollar amount that fits into their playroll plans.
On the Colorado Avalanche …
Adrian Dater of BSN Denver: BSN Denver has learned that the Avalanche will soon be offering University of Denver defenseman Will Butcher a contract. There had been some talk if the Avs wouldn’t offer Butcher a contract before he could become a UFA on August 15th. The Avs drafted Butcher in the 5th round of the 2013 draft.
On the Arizona Coyotes …
TSN Radio Vancouver: Gary Bettman on the Arizona Coyotes: “You only give up on a market when you have no choice, and I we still have plenty of choices.”
TSN Radio Vancouver: Bettman continued: “We take our commitment to our fans seriously and we don’t run out on them.”