Boucher back Saturday? Rob Blake leaning to retirement … Nabokov would like to stay in San Jose … Yzerman needs to lock up Stamkos
Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer: Though it was speculated that his season was over after suffering sprained ligaments in both knees on May 10th, Brian Boucher returned to practice with the hope of dressing for game 1 on Saturday.…
More on the Canadiens … Ryan and Ducks talking … Marleau to Toronto? Jacob Markstrom coming to North America?
Sean Gordon of the Globe and Mail: The Montreal Canadiens will have $13-14 million to fill out 9 roster spots. That is not a lot play when players like Tomas Plekanec, Jaroslav Halak and/or Carey Price are due for raises,…
Wings won’t do anything until Lidstrom decides what he’s doing … Horton trade bait … What will the Canadiens do now?
George Malik of MLive: Red Wings GM Ken Holland told MLive that they can't re-sign Tomas Holmstrom, Todd Bertuzzi, or any of their 5 RFAs before they hear if Nicklas Lidstrom will be back next season or not. Lidstrom has…
Kovalchuk to KHL? Marleau talk … Blues to go after a D-man?
Mark Everson of the NY Post: Reports are floating around that Ilya Kovalchuk is signing with St. Petersburg of the KHL, but ... "Don't jump to conclusions," warned the source at the World Championships in Germany. David Pollak of the…
No Market for Spezza? Volchenkov to Capitals? Harder for Bruins to trade Tim Thomas now
Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Jason Spezza has 5 years and $35 million left his salary, and he has a no-movement clause that doesn't kick in until July 1st. Many fans (44% of those polled by the Sun) would…
Options if Lidstrom Retires … Yzerman still considering Tampa? A new look Shark team next year?
George Malik of MLive: If Nicklas Lidstrom retires, Brian Rafalski could step up into a larger role. One option available for the Red Wings would be to call up the Maple Leafs and see what it would take for Tomas…
Malkin not going anywhere? Taylor Hall at center? Kubina and Afinogenov could be back with the Thrashers
Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Rossi has been told that the Penguins "are not entertaining the possibility of trading C Evgeni Malkin". Ron Cook of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette: Cook doesn't think the Penguins will bring back UFAs: Sergei…
Rumors from Beantown
Steve Conroy of the Boston Herald: Bruins backup goalie, Tim Thomas, plans on bouncing back from a sub-par season, and thinks he can be a number 1 goalie again. Where he could be the number 1 is the bigger question.…
Laperriere back soon, Carter unlikely … Offer Sheets out there? Boychuk now a UFA … Sens wanted Cammalleri, got Kovalev
Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer: Flyers winger Ian Laperriere practiced with the team yesterday, and could return later on in the series. Laperriere has been out since April 22nd with a brain bruise and concussion. Jeff Carter skated for…
Extension for Backstrom today? Kicking tires on Miller? yeah right … Time to trade Malkin? Tim Tomas for Brian Campbell?
TSN: There is a good chance that Nicklas Backstrom will be signing a long term contract extension with Washington Capitals this morning. The Capitals are only saying, "significant player-related announcement" is coming on Monday. George Malik of MLive: Rob Parker…
75% of Blues up for sale … Sexton expects some trades … Coyotes payroll to increase
George Richards of the Miami Herald: Panthers GM Randy Sexton doesn't have any unrestricted free agents to deal with this summer, which is rare. 4 of their major restricted free agents are Jason Garrison, Kenndal McArdle, Gregory Campbell, and Kamil…
The Penguins and Devils have some tough choices ahead
Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: The Pittsburgh Penguins have a solid nucleus locked up for at least next season: Crosby, Malkin, Staal, Fleury, Orpik and Letang. Due to their salary contraints, several players won't be re-signed, or if they do it…