- 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.
- Erik Erlendsson via twitter: Dan Ellis will start for the Lightning tomorrow night.
- 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.