On the Dallas Stars …
Mark Stepneski: The Stars would like to bring Valeri Nichushkin back, but if it happens, still not sure when it would be.
On the Carolina Hurricanes …
Cory Lavalette: Hurricanes GM Ron Francis said that they have struggled with their save percentage this year and they will look to address it in the offseason.
On the Boston Bruins …
Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: Ryan Spooner‘s agent Murray Kuntz could ask the Bruins for more than $3 million a year for the pending RFA. Spooner is arbitration eligible.
Spooner’s TOI has dropped over a minute per game (13:16) since Bruce Cassidy took over from Claude Julien. The Bruins now have plenty of options down the middle.
The Bruins are likely to protect Spooner in the expansion draft. He’s due a qualifying offer of $1 million.
On the Vancouver Canucks …
*** Update – The Canucks have fired head coach Willie Desjardins ***
Jason Botchford of the Vancouver Province: It seems likely that GM Jim Benning will be back. They could look to bring in a new head coach, which would then likely put Benning on the clock. Can’t see Canucks ownership happy with missing the playoffs for three straight years (if they fail to make next year).
Ben Kuzma of the Vancouver Sun: A vote of confidence for Canucks head coach Willie Desjardins hasn’t taken place. Desjardins has the support from players, but is likely aware there has been debate if they could go with a veteran coach like Ken Hitchcock or a younger guy like Travis Green.
“It’s not easy, but I love my job — I really do,” stressed Desjardins. “I love coming to the rink. And maybe when you’re away and you hear everything is tough, once you come back, it’s different. It’s a great place.
“And for me, that will never change. Every day, I think I’m a lucky guy to come to the rink and coach.”
