- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: Ryan Malone’s agent confirms that Malone will take part in the Rangers informal skates today. There is no contract agreement yet. Source saying that Malone is in Stage Two of the NHL/NHLPA Substance Abuse/Behavioral Health Program and has been cleared by the NHL to sign a contact. He is not likely to face any discipline from the league. He could get a two-way contract in the $675,000 to $750,000 range.
- Kevin Kurz of CSN Bay Area: (s/t Spectors Hockey) Patrick Marleau’s future with the Sharks is still in doubt. The best time for GM Doug Wilson to trade Marleau and Joe Thornton would have been during the summer, but it’s likely they would still consider it if all sides could agree to a move. Marleau has admitted that there may have been a rift within the Sharks dressing room.
- Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: The 39-year old Hal Gill is a UFA and has been skating with some Bruins.
“I’m a free agent looking for a job,” Gill said. “Staying in shape until then.”
Teams are not offering much to teams who are looking to shed some salary. Teams with cap space like the Flames are offering peanuts for good players. RFAs Torey Krug and Reilly Smith may have to wait until GM Peter Chiarelli can free up some space.
- Hope Smoke: Darren Dreger: “The Flames may have made an interesting offer for Ward prior to the draft, but it would have included acquiring Carolina’s 1st pick” … “If Ward plays better than maybe Ron Francis doesn’t want to move him & he becomes more the solution than the problem”