- Helene St. James: The Red Wings are still waiting on Daniel Alfredsson. He spoke with GM Ken Holland on Thursday and said he feels better every day.
“Before he takes the next step, which would be to join our team on a PTO, he wants to make sure in his own mind that he feels good day after day after day,” Holland said. “He has tested it on his own, on ice, off ice. He doesn’t want to come back, be on the ice for two days, then leave again.
“I’m waiting for him to walk into my office and tell me he can practice, or that he’s retiring.”
- Ansar Khan of MLive: (mailbag) There will be no contract extension talks between the Red Wings and Mike Babcock during the season. They have already spoken, and will likely do so again this week or on the weekend. The Wings are expected to make a formal offer. Khan thinks Alfredsson will end up retiring, but if he does end up playing, expect him to sign a contract for around $2 million base salary with bonuses for games played.
- Aaron Portzline: If Blue Jackets defenseman Ryan Murray isn’t ready for opening night, Cody Goloubef will likely make the team. Goloubef would require waivers to be sent to the AHL.
- Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times: Even though Lightning owner Jeff Vinik is still losing “a little bit of money,” he still plans to budget the team at or near the salary cap. The Lightning can start negotiating a contract extension for Steven Stamkos after July 1st.