- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: Rangers GM Glen Sather has talked to the Predators about RFA Alexander Radulov. Radulov has a big offer on the table from CKSA of the KHL. A source has told the Post that Radulov would rather play in the NHL next season. The Rangers are more than just kicking tires on Radulov.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson wants to draft defenseman Ryan Murray with the 2nd overall pick. The Oilers need a defenseman more than they need another other forward, and may pick on position rather than best player available.
“I think you have to draft a defenceman because nobody’s going to give you one,” said Hockey Canada chief scout Kevin Prendergast.
Prendergast also thinks that only Nail Yakupov and Murray are the only 2 players that could play in the NHL next season.
- The Fourth Period: Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson said he hasn’t had any formal discussions with any team about Rick Nash and added:
“We might not even trade him,” Howson half-jokingly admitted.
The Sharks, Bruins, Maple Leafs, Rangers and Kings have shown some interest in the past. The Blue Jackets desperately need a #1 goalie and could ask for one in part of a package. Only the Kings have a goalie that could be included in the deal, Jonathan Berner.
- Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News: The Red Wings will have a different look next season. Lidstrom is retired, Holmstrom could be next, Brad Stuart is likely heading west to be closer to his family and Jiri Hudler may want too much money. They are one of many teams interested in Zach Parise and Ryan Suter. The Rangers could have between $20-$25 million in cap space as well, and may be interested Parise and Suter as well. Zach’s dad has already said that he’d be a good fit in New York.
- Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: After Red Wings Nicklas Lidstrom retired last week, eyes have turned towards teammate Tomas Holmstrom. On Thursday Holmstrom said:
“I go back and forth,” he said. “I haven’t really decided yet, but for sure it’s going to happen soon. My wife wants me to play and the kids want me to play. I have to see if I can do it, and if my body is fresh enough to battle through a new season.”
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli said on Friday that he is working on re-signing Chris Kelly.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: One option for Bruins with Tim Thomas is if he decides he doesn’t want to play next season for the Bruins, they could maybe give another team permission to try and convince him to play, and then work out a trade after. The Lightning, Maple Leafs, Blackhawks and Blue Jackets are just a few teams looking for a goalie.
