- 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 of WDIV’s Sports Final Edition did a terrible job trying to create a rumor involving the Red Wings, saying they will kick tires on acquiring Ryan Miller. Okay Rob. I don’t know what say about this other than; is Rob Parker, Eklund ‘the anonymous hockey blogger’?
- Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: Red Wings GM, Ken Holland will begin working towards signing some of their free agents. Tomas Holmstrom is slam dunk to re-sign with the Red Wings, Todd Bertuzzi is a good possibiliy. They also have an interest in re-signing Andreas Lilja at a lower salary from the $1.25 million he made this past season. Don’t count on seeing Jason Williams, Brad May and Brett Lebda back in a Wings uniform next season.
- Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Rossi thinks the Penguins should look at moving Geno Malkin, and it would have to include a top-line winger, top 2 defenseman, 2 roster players and either 2 prospects or 2 1st round picks. He thinks re-signing Gonchar to anything more than $4 million on a multi-year deal is a risk. Mark Eaton should be re-sign at around $2 million a season. Ben Lovejoy should be re-signed. Rossi also thinks the Penguins should go after Dan Hamhuis, offering a 4 year deal at a cap hit around $3.25 million. I think it would take more the $3.25 million to get Hamhuis
- Kevin Paul Dupont of the Boston Globe: Dupont thinks the Bruins and Blackhawks could work on a Brian Campbell – Tim Thomas deal this off-season. Thomas has 3 years and $15 million left on his deal, Campbell has 6 years left with a cap hit of $7.14 million. Mark Recchi will most likely play another season for the Bruins.
- Steve Conroy of the Boston Herald: Conroy wonders if the Bruins are able to trade Tim Thomas this off-season, is Rask ready to take the reins without a safety net? If they can deal Thomas, I’m sure they’ll bring in someone to help Rask along, he’s only 23-years old.
- Adrian Date of the Denver Post: With 12 players locked up for about $28.2 million (cap number), the Colorado Avalanche have the cap room to add some significant pieces. Dater lists 3 possibilities: Ilya Kovalchuk, Dan Hamhuis, and Brian McGrattan.