Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: Talks between the Toronto Maple Leafs and winger Nikolai Kulemin are at a standstill. It is rumored that Kulemin is after a $3 million a year contract, after putting up 36 points in 78 games. According to Brian Burke, “What he is asking for is not what we are prepared to pay”. I think $3 million is little much, but the threat of bolting to the KHL may increase his price. Kulemin started the year off slow, but his game, offensively and defensively, improved greatly as the season went along.
Jimmy Murphy via Twitter: A source told Murphy that Vincent Lecavalier would consider waiving his no movement clause for Boston, but he isn’t expecting to be dealt. I seen no reason why the Bruins would be interested in him with Savard, Bergeron, Krejci down the middle and his crazy contract.
Corey Masisak of CSNWashington: The Washington Capitals will be looking to add a #2 center and a top 4 defenseman this off-season. Masisak puts together a list of players who would fit the #2 center roll: Patrick Marleau, Saku Koivu, Matt Cullen, Tomas Plekanec, Matthew Lombardi, Eric Belanger, Brendan Morrison, and Vinny Prospal.
Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer: Moving up the off-season priority list for the Philadelphia Flyers is re-signing goalie Michael Leighton. The 29-year old waiver pickup will be unrestricted free agent at seasons end. After coming over from Carolina, Leighton put up a 16-5-2 record with a 2.48 GAA. So far in the playoffs he has a 5-1 record with a 1.37 GAA, .951 SV% and 3 shutouts.
Dmitry Chesnokov via Twitter: Nikolai Zherdev may be looking to return back to the NHL next season according to reports from his agent.
David Pollak of the San Jose Sharks: One goalies name who’s been left out of most discussions when it comes to the San Jose Sharks, is Swedish netminder Henrik Karlsson. The 26-year old, 6 foot 6 goalie posted a 2.45 GAA in 34 games with a .914 SV% with Farjestad. Both sides are looking to extend his contract, though he might not be NHL ready yet.
