- Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer: Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford said yesterday that contract talks have started with newly acquired Jordan Staal.
“We had our initial conversation last night,” Rutherford said. “Basically it was, ‘We made the trade, we know everybody is happy, now we need to start talking long-term.’ That being agreed on, now the work begins.”
Jordan is in the last year of a deal that will pay him $4.5 million. He turned down a 10 year, $60 million deal from the Penguins.
- David Staple of the Edmonton Journal: Bob Stauffer of Oilers Now tweeted: “Personally I think the Oilers sit 4th in pursuit of Schultz. Vancouver leads the way imo (home-field advantage). Leafs and Rangers 2nd and 3rd respectively because players recruit players. Gardiner in T.O., and Stepan and McDonagh with NYR.” Bob McKenzie and Pierre LeBrun think the Oilers are the likely destination.
- Craig Custance via twitter: U.S. GMs are hearing that Justin Schultz prefers to play in Canada, but it’s not stopping them from going after him.
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: The Rangers hope to re-sign backup goalie Martin Biron, and the feeling is mutual.
“We have had several positive discussions with the Rangers that are hopefully headed in the right direction, because Marty’s first choice is to remain in New York,” Biron’s agent, Peter Fish, told The Post yesterday. “The Rangers have made it clear that they want to keep him, but there is still some work to be done.”
If Biron doesn’t re-sign, other UFA options are Scott Clemmesen, Al Montoya, Brent Johnson and Chris Mason.
- John Boruk via twitter: Biron’s agent said his first choice is to re-sign with the Rangers, but if he doesn’t, Boruk thinks he could be swayed to a Flyers return.
- Vicki Hall of the Calgary Herald: The Flames didn’t qualify forward Blake Comeau on Monday, but they they would like to re-sign him. Comeau made $2.5 million last year. They also didn’t qualify Logan MacMillan and Ryley Grantham. They sent offers to Mikael Backlund, Paul Byron, Blair Jones, Akim Aliu and Leland Irving.
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: McKenzie doesn’t expect the Bruins to trade Tim Thomas until late summer/early season if at all. Possible landing spots may have to wait for the new CBA to see what the floor might be.
- Adrian Dater via twitter: Dater thinks that P.A. Parenteau would be a good fit for the Avalanche. It’s also not out of the question for the Avs to make an offer on Mikael Samuelsson.