Eric Duhatschek of the Globe and Mail: After bouncing around between 4 different teams in the past couple years, Olli Jokinen may be playing in Russia next season, especially if he’s looking to make anywhere close to the $5 million salary he made this past season. Peter Mueller, out with a concussion, hasn’t been cleared to skate yet, so Avs fan shouldn’t expect him back soon. As it shouldn’t come as a surprise, Marty Turco could get interest from the Flyers, Capitals and Blackhawks, with the Lightning as a potential sleeper. Wild back-up Josh Harding could be on the trade block this summer. St. Louis could be looking for a goalie if they don’t re-sign Chris Mason, though they could be looking for a young goalie even if they re-sign Mason.
Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Newly anointed Thrashers GM, Rick Dudley, doesn’t have a timetable set yet for a naming a new coach. Their new coach must “have good communication skills, good teaching skills and good technical skills.” The team also has 10 UFA’s and 4 RFA’s. They are also looking for a veteran leader and a scoring forward for one of the top 3 lines.
George Csolak of the St. Louis Globe-Democrat: Both Paul Kariya and Chris Mason would like to return to the Blues next season, but it’s not sure if the Blues will bring them back. Carlo Colaiacovo is also a question mark to be back next season, they were shopping him at the deadline. They will look to re-sign RFAs Eric Johnson, Alex Steen, and David Perron.
Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Marty Turco is gearing up for life outside of Dallas as he’s in the process of putting his house on the market. GM Joe Nieuwendyk said on Tuesday that Turco will not be back next season with the Stars. The 35-year-old Turco should get a shot with another team. “I want to win,” he said. “I want to find a team that is ready to win, an organization that is building to win now, and an organization that believes I can be a big part of that winning. That’s the most important thing to me.”
