Eric Stephens of the OC Register: There has been no progress in contract negotiations between Bobby Ryan and the Anaheim Ducks. Ryan’s agent hasn’t met with team since the end of the season, but believes the two sides will meet in upcoming weeks. Ryan finished 3rd in team scoring with 57 points, 35 were goals. The 23-year-old has scored 71 goals in the past 2 seasons, and will probably be getting a contract in the $5 million range. Corey Perry is on a 5-year contract paying him an average of $5.325 million a season, and I don’t see Ryan getting more than Perry.
Steve Conroy of the Boston Herald: Marc Savard cleared his second hurdle in his attempt to come back this season as he passed his neuropsychlogical test yesterday according to the team website. To be able to return to game action, he still needs to get clearance from his physician. Savard skated for 40 minutes yesterday.
Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer: Flyers goaltender Michael Leighton is back skating and taking some shots. He’s been battling a severe high ankle sprain since March 16th, and could be ready to go in 2 or 3 weeks. Leighton is an unrestricted free agent following the season, but his agent and Flyers GM Paul Holmgren haven’t had any talks yet.
Damian Cristodero of the St. Petersburg Times: Former Wild GM Doug Risebrough has been rumored as a potential candidate for the vacant Lightning GM job, has confirmed that he’d be interested in it. Tampa Bay has asked for permission from the NY Rangers to speak to him, he’s currently a scout/consultant for them.
Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: A reader asks Matheson if signing Jaromir Jagr would be a good move for the Oilers. Matheson puts odd are 60-40 that they sign him. The 38-year-old Jagr is also pushing Czech teammate Roman Cervenka as part of a ‘package’ deal. Cervenka is on the smaller side, and appeared over his head at the Olympics according to Matheson.
Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: The leading candidate for the Columbus Blue Jackets head coaching position is Kevin Dineen. Dineen is the coach for the Buffalo Sabres AHL team, the Portland Pirates, who will be elminated from the post season soon. The Blue Jackets will need to get permission from Buffalo before they are able to talk to him.
Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Slava Kozlov has been contacted by 5 or 6 KHL teams about his possible return to Russia. Kozlov will wait until the NHL free agency period opens on July 1st before he decides his future.
