On the St. Louis Blues, Marc-Andre Fleury and Ben Bishop …
Larry Brooks of the NY Post: Brooks wonders if the Blues think that David Backes could keep up this level of play for the next five or six years.
Don’t think Blues GM Doug Armstrong or coach Ken Hitchcock would view Rick Nash as their ‘missing link’?
Brooks wonders who will waive his no-movement clause first – Ben Bishop (one year remaining on his contract) or Marc-Andre Fleury (three years left on his contract)?
On the Detroit Red Wings …
Ansar Khan of MLive: (mailbag) Jonathan Ericsson has four years left on his contract at a $4.25 million cap hit. It would be hard to trade him if they explored the idea.
The Red Wings would be stuck with a cap recapture penalty if Johan Franzen retired, and Franzen would be giving up $7.5 million. If Franzen were to retire now, the Red Wings would have a $2.09 million salary cap hit for the next four season. Being on the LTIR is the best for both parties.
GM Ken Holland has said he has spoken with Drew Miller about a new contract.
Khan thinks the Red Wings could target Andrew Ladd and Troy Brouwer in free agency, along with bringing Miller back. Darren Helm would have to take less than market value to return. Being able to trade Pavel Datsyuk’s cap hit if he leaves would help them out.
Khan thinks Jimmy Howard will be back next season as not many teams would be interested in his $5.3 million for the next three seasons.
On the Boston Bruins …
Joe Haggerty of the CSNNE: The Bruins need to improve their blueline, but they also know that they need to improve at right wing. They need a winger that can provide some offense while bringing a physical game.
Potential right wingers on the free agent or trade market could include: Kyle Okposo, Troy Brouwer, Steven Stamkos, Dale Weise and Jakob Silfverberg.