Randy Sportak of the Toronto Sun: Gary Bettman thinks the sale of the Phoenix Coyotes could be getting closer to being finalized. “The process continues. There is much that has to be done with the city of Glendale, both by the league and with the prospective owner, and it’s something we continue to work on.” Jerry Reinsdorf continues to work with both the league and Glendale. Bettman won’t put a timetable on when the process will be completed.
Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: The Penguins have 8 UFAs, 4 forwards, 4 defense. Forwards: Alexei Ponikarovsky, Bill Guerin, Ruslan Fedotenko and Matt Cooke. Defenseman: Sergei Gonchar, Mark Eaton, Jordan Leopold, and Jay McKee. Matt Cooke will most likely be back next season. Maybe one of either Leopold or Eaton would be resigned, unless Gonchar takes a hometown discount, which he hasn’t shown much public interest in doing. Some of the others would depend on what they are wanting to sign for, and for how long.
Matthew Sekeres of the Globe and Mail: There was a rumor out of Russia that Vancouver Canucks prospect Sergei Shirokov was planning on heading back the KHL next season. This appears to be nothing more than a rumor as Shirokov reiterated that he wants to play in the NHL, and plans on showing up at the Canucks training camp next fall. It was reported earlier this year that Shirokov was suspended by the KHL for 2 years for leaving his Russian club.
Bill Tiller of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: The Columbus Blue Jackets and Atlanta Thrashers may be interested in Vancouver’s AHL affiliate, Manitoba Moose head coach Scott Arniel. Columbus has already received permission to speak to him, and will do so in the next couple days. Tampa Bay and New Jersey may also be interested in Arniel. The Thrashers will also look at their AHL affiliate coach, Don Lever.
