Bob McKenzie via twitter: Canucks Rick Rypien has been suspended by the NHL, pending a hearing. Pierre LeBrun, hearing is ‘in-person’, which is required under the CBA to suspend a player for 5 games or more, but doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll get 5 games or more.Dreger says it’s likely that Rypien’s hearing will be on Friday. ESPN posts an article on other instances where NHL players and fans have been involved.
Katie Carrera via twitter: Washington Capitals defenseman Mike Green will not play Thursday against the Boston Bruins.
Tim Panaccio via twitter: Mike Richards has been replaced on the top power play unit during practice. Top unit Jeff Carter, Scott Hartnell, Daniel Briere , Kimmo Timonen & Chris Pronger.
John Buccigross of ESPN: If the Dallas Stars decide to trade Brad Richards, Buccigross thinks they could get a 1st round pick, a prospect and a roster player for him. He also thinks the Leafs, Kings and Rangers would be interested, and could offer him right away a 5 to 7 year deal worth $30-40 million. The Blues might be a good fit for Richards.
Bob McKenzie via twitter: The Nashville Predators signed Steve Begin this morning and put him on waivers. Jamie Lundmark cleared waivers. If a team signs a UFA after the opening day rosters are set, that player must clear waivers. Update: Begin put on waivers for the purpose of being sent to AHL as a depth guy
Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal Constitution: Atlanta Thrashers forward Nik Antropov is still not a 100% from off-season hip surgery. He’s struggled out of the gate with 1 assist in 5 games so far. Coach Craig Ramsey has tried to limit his minutes (averaging 13:31 per game) and could sit him out for a time, they are going game-by-game with him.
Dan Tencer via twitter: Lines at the Edmonton Oilers practice today: Penner/Gagner/Hemsky, Paajarvi/Horcoff/Eberle & Hall/Cogliano/Brule.
Arthur Staple via twitter: Josh Bailey and Trent Hunter are both hopeful of playing tomorrow night against the Lightning.
Andy Strickland of True Hockey: It’s looking more and more like Bill Guerin will be retiring from the NHL. No announcement has been made, but one could be coming in the next 2-3 weeks.
Andy Stickland of True Hockey: The St. Louis Blues and David Backes have had some talks regarding a contract extension.
Fan 590 Audio: Brian Burke was on the Andrew Krystal show this morning talking about the Maple Leafs and answering some fan questions.
Fan 590 Audio: Lou Lamoriello on Prime Time Sports yesterday with Bob McCown talking about roster concerns and the current salary cap system.
Will DePaoli of Inside Pittsburgh Sports: Jordan Staal practiced for the 2nd straight day. He feels he’s ready and could travel with the team on the upcoming road trip. Brooks Oprik could return against St. Louis.
