- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: The Stars will be looking at second line center this offseason.
“It’s a priority for us,” he said of center depth. “I think if you want to be a contender, you have to be deep down the middle. That’s something we’ve talked about over and over again.”
Do they look at Paul Stastny, trade for Ryan Kesler or go with Cody Eakin until Jason Dickinson and/or Devin Shore is ready? GM Jim Nill went after Vincent Lecavalier last summer. Options for the Stars: Jason Spezza, Paul Stastny and Ryan Kesler. Long-shot options in Eric or Jordan Staal. Bridge scenario in Mikhail Grabovski. Go with Eakin and have third line options in Vern Fiddler, David Legwand, Steve Ott and Jay McClement.
- Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: The Leafs don’t want to pay Dave Bolland more than the $4.2 million they are paying Tyler Bozak. About 20 teams may be interested Paul Stastny’s services if he becomes a free agent. Simmons thinks the Leafs should re-sign Jay McClement but at less than $1.5 million.
- Stephen Whyno: Oscar Moller expects the Kings to give him an offer to return to the NHL next year.
- Joe Smith: Lightning GM Steve Yzerman said it’s only a matter of time before a team gives Julien BriseBois a chance to be a GM.