- Will DePaoli of Inside Pittsburgh Sports: Dan Boyle has a short list of teams that he might be interested in signing with if he goes to the open market. Sources saying the Penguins are one of those teams. Boyle doesn’t plan on re-signing with the Islanders. He’s not ruling out the Western Conference, but he may like to return to an Eastern Conference and with a contender. The Penguins could be a good option and fit, especially if Matt Niskanen goes elsewhere. Boyle could be looking for a two year deal at around $5 million.
- William DePaoli: The Penguins and Matt Niskanen won’t start contract talks until a new coach is hired according to a source.
- William DePaoli: The Penguins will start interviewing head coaching candidates next week. The process could be quick.
- David Pagnotta: Pagnotta expects some interesting things coming out of the Senators this offseason. Jason Spezza will likely be traded and it’s doubtful that Ales Hemsky and Milan Michalek will be back.
- David Pagnotta: The Sharks are trying to trade Martin Havlat instead of buying him out. They are listening to offers on Patrick Marleau and Antti Niemi. The Hurricanes are trying to trade Cam Ward. The Maple Leafs are looking at multiple options.
- Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times: The 34-year old Ryan Malone could receive a compliance buyout from the Lightning. Lightning GM Steve Yzerman.
“Obviously, injuries he’s had — some serious injuries over the past three, four years since I’ve been with the organization — have limited the number of games that he could play,” Yzerman said. “It does take its toll on a player. We’re taking everything into consideration for the offseason in improving our team, and we’re looking at all different (options), whether it be the draft, free agency, trades, buyouts. We’ll take it all into consideration.”
A Malone buyout would cost the Lightning $1.67 million over the next two years, but would save them the $4.5 million salary cap hit.