- Tim Panaccio of CSN Philly: Two non-Flyers sources have said that the Ducks are shopping Bobby Ryan and that the Flyers are interested. Names that have been discussed are defenseman Braydon Coburn and the 11th overall pick.
“Still a lot to be worked out,” said one source.
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Penguins GM Ray Shero and Kris Letang’s agent, Kent Hughes, are set to meet today. Hughes lives in Boston and the GMs are in Boston for the GM meetings. LeBrun doesn’t think that Letang will sign for less than $7 million.
The Flyers will buyout Daniel Briere. An Ilya Bryzgalov buyout has been met with mixed opinions by management. Decision could be whether to do it this year or next. The availability of Jonathan Bernier may push the Flyers into making the move now. One source said that five teams are interested in Bernier.
John Tortorella is one of four final candidates for the Canucks head coaching position. John Stevens, Lindy Ruff and Scott Arniel could be the other candidates. Dave Tippett could also be an option if he doesn’t re-sign.
Red Wings Valtteri Filppula could get more than $5 million on the open market, which might be too much of the Wings. The Wings and Filppula’s agent will meet next week at the draft.
Guillaume Latendresse, Peter Regin and Mike Lundin are likely not to get a contract from the Senators.
The Hurricanes made an offer to UFA goalie Dan Ellis, but he told them he’s heading to the open market.
Teams are calling the Hurricanes about the No. 5 pick in the draft, but their intention now may be to keep the pick.
Contract talks between the Kings and Rob Scuderi have been ongoing and both sides are expected to meet again during draft week.
- George Malik of Kuklas Korner: Summarizing some of the TSN Insider Trading points:Bob McKenzie is saying that teams are more than kicking tires on Jonathan Bernier. Flyers, Leafs and Islanders are intrigued. Could take Matt Frattin from the Leafs or Matt Read from the Flyers.Bernier, Niklas Backstrom and Ray Emery could be targets of the Flyers if Bryzgalov is bought out.
The Rangers will look to extend Henrik Lundqvist, with GM Glen Sather and agent Don Meehan meeting at or around the draft. Lundqvist may look for Evgeni Malkin money, $9 million, but that would limit what the Rangers could do with the rest of their lineup.
McKenzie thinks the Rangers will wait a year on a Brad Richards buyout to see how he rebounds under Alain Vigneault.
Dreger says that Valtteri Filppula may be looking for $5.5 million per year for seven or eight years.
The Wings may look at Stephen Weiss as Filppula replacement.