- Scott Powers of ESPN Chicago: Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman on contract talks with restricted free agent Marcus Kruger.
“We’re still talking and trying to get everything worked out,” Bowman said. “Nothing to announce yet, so when we do get to that point, you guys will be the first to know. We’re working on some things still and we don’t have anything to report right now.”
Bowman wants to have Kruger’s contract done by the start of training camp.
“I think with all our players, you want to have them signed before camp,” Bowman said. “I think it’s always ideal to have your guys with as much preparation as possible. We’re working towards that and ultimately we’ll see how the timing works out.”
Bowman on their other restricted free agents – Joakim Nordstrom and Viktor Svedberg.
“We’ve had good discussions with all of our players that have not yet been signed,” Bowman said. “I wouldn’t characterize any of them as contentious or difficult. It’s just we’ve got a lot of factors at play and we’re not quite there and don’t have it all finalized yet, but we are in the process on a number of things.”
- Joe Haggerty of CSNNE: The Bruins currently have three young goalies – Jeremy Smith, Malcolm Subban and Zane McIntyre – vying to be Tuukka Rask’s backup, who have a combined one NHL game of experience.GM Don Sweeney has brought up the possibility of bringing in a veteran free agent to battle for the backup role.
Veteran free agent options include Ray Emery, Peter Budaj and Jonas Gustavsson. They would have to be okay with a contract under $1 million.
- Elliott Friedman: For their arbitration hearing, Craig Smith has asked for $4.75 million and Nashville has offered $3 million.