- J.J. Regan of CSN Washington: Regan thinks the Capitals are done up front, and that Andre Burakovsky will take over as their third line center. Five of their top-six forwards are likely set with Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom, T.J. Oshie, Evgeny Kuznetsov and Justin Williams, leaving Marcus Johansson and Burakovsky battling for the last spot.It is possible that they are continuing to look for a third line center, with either Johansson or Burkovsky on the wing with Tom Wilson.
If they are looking at the free agent market, some third line options could be:
Mike Santorelli (29) – had a $1.5 million cap hit last season. Things didn’t work out as well for Santorelli in Nashville as it did for him in Toronto.
Derek Roy (32) – he should have some value, but teams have stayed away so far. Made $1 million last season, and he might take less as he doesn’t have any offers as of yet.
Jiri Tlusty (27) – more than 30 points in each of the past four seasons. He had a $3 million cap hit last year and could be too expensive for the Capitals. He becomes cheaper the longer he remains unsigned.
- Sportsnet: Daniel Briere has retired from the NHL. The 37-year old played for the Coyotes, Sabres, Flyers, Canadiens and Avalanche. He will hold a press conference tomorrow in Philadelphia.
- Ansar Khan of MLive: The Red Wings have signed defenseman Robbie Russo of Notre Dame to a two-year entry level deal. Russo was drafted by the Islanders 95th overall in the fourth round of the 2011 draft, but they lost his rights after they didn’t come to terms by Saturday. He will likely start the season with Grand Rapids of the AHL.
- Michael Russo of the Star-Tribune: The Wild re-signed winger Brett Bulmer to a one-year, two-way contract yesterday. The Wild have all their free agents signed now.