NHL Rumors IV: Gagner, Sharks, Thornton and Richards
  • The Fourth Period: The Oilers are still offering up Sam Gagner as they look to trade him before July 1st when his no-trade clause kicks in. The Kings almost acquired him during the season. The Predators, Maple Leafs and Stars have shown interest in Gagner. The Oilers had been looking to get a young defenseman and a pick in the past, but it’s not known if that is what they are still looking to get.
  •  Kevin Kurz of CSN Bay Area: Sharks GM Doug Wilson:

    “We’re going to have to take a step back as an organization, take an approach that goes a little deeper than we’ve taken in the past, and with that will come pain,” Wilson said. “There will be some tough decisions.”

    Coach Todd McLellan:

    “I think we’ve got to become mentally tougher,” McLellan said last week. “We’ve got to become a little more consistent in that area. There’s got to be a little more bite.”

    The Sharks could look at changing their leadership, with the possibility of removing the captaincy from Joe Thornton. Thornton signed a three year extension during the season, which contains a no-trade clause.  Thornton’s agent and brother has said that he doesn’t want to play anywhere else.

  • James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail: Despite being looked upon for leadership, Rangers Brad Richards has the compliance buyout rumors following him. No matter how good he is playing, his big contract and possibility of future recapture penalties will be an issue.