- Ansar Khan of MLive: (mailbag) Potential targets for the Red Wings. Khan thinks they’d land a secondary scorer in Jussi Jokinen or Matt Moulson on a shorter deal than it would take to bring in a Thomas Vanek, Paul Stastny, Ryan Callahan or Marian Gaborik. If they were to offer a big, longer term deal, it would have to be someone like the 28-year old Stastny. They are not likely to add someone like Steve Ott. Matt Niskanen and Andrei Markov are not really No. 1 defesemen, but they will end up getting paid like one. The Red Wings are likely to look at the cheaper Dan Boyle, Anton Stralman, Derek Morris, Tom Gilbert and Stephane Robidas. Khan doesn’t think they are willing to part with the assets to land a Dustin Byfuglien or Keith Yandle.
- Michael Russo of the Star-Tribune: Sources saying the Wild are shopping Kyle Brodziak and may be willing to retain some salary in a Niklas Backstrom trade. Wild GM Chuck Fletcher has been working the phones the past week.
“Everyone calls everybody,” the Wild GM said. “You don’t see a whole bunch of trades the week prior to the draft. It’s all about trying to figure out who your likely dance partners can be the week at the draft. It’ll take a move or two to get the ball rolling, and then there’s usually a domino-type effect. We’re not there yet.”
- Rich Chere of the Star-Ledger: Devils GM Lou Lamoreillo said it’s unlikely that they will use their remaining compliance buyout. It’s also not looking like Martin Brodeur will be back with the team.
“It’s unlikely,” Lamoriello told The Star-Ledger. “No decisions have been made yet. We still have time on our side, but it’s unlikely.”
“Marty has made his decision,” Lamoriello said. “Quite frankly, I’m not going to make it a difficult topic.”
Lamoreillo on if he has any intention of trying to re-sign Brodeur,
“No one rules anything out.”
