- The Fourth Period: The Leafs appear to be ready to trade both Cody Franson and James Reimer. They have been trying to trade Reimer for months, and have increased their efforts after he requested a trade. Both could be moved for draft picks if they can’t land a third two-way center. It is rumored that they have some interest in Steve Ott, who is getting some interest from the Rangers, Red Wings and others.
- James Mirtle: Maple Leafs Cody Franson won’t sign his qualifying offer. It was for $2 million, and if they keep him, it would at least be in the $2.5 million range.
- Michael Russo of the Star Tribune: The Wild thought they could replace Clayton Stoner with Willie Mitchell, but couldn’t come close to the two-year, $4.25 million a season the Panthers gave him.
“I didn’t expect this. Maybe I’m naive. We were consistently underbidding on a few other players, I’ll tell you that,” General Manager Chuck Fletcher said, chuckling. “The prices caught me a little off guard for maybe what you would consider role players or bottom-of-the-lineup type players. But I definitely think some mistakes have been made today on some players, so I think we’ll be a little bit patient and let things sort out.”
The Wild need to add a physical presence to their blueline, but the market is a little thin: Anton Volchenkov, Doug Murray, Shane O’Brien and Cory Sarich.
“Right now, it’s been insanity out there,” Fletcher said. “I think this is the biggest spending day, if not the history of the world, the history of the NHL. I mean, it’s just been crazy. So my first thought is to just go home and come back and maybe the tide will turn and management will get the upper hand and we’ll get some better deals.
“The prices are high. The terms are long. Thomas may be one of the only players who took a pay cut and a term cut to come anywhere. Everybody else is doubling or tripling their salary, so it’s good for the players, but it’s maybe not the market we want to be in right now.”
- Will DePaoli: The Penguins have had some talks with the agent of Steve Downie.