Ken Warren of the Ottawa Citizen: Serious contract discussions between the Erik Karlsson and the Senators won’t take place until well after July 1st. The Senators will have to decide whether they want to re-sign defenseman Filip Kuba or not. There have been no discussions between the 2 sides yet, but talks must begin soon. A starting point on a Kuba deal could be Johnny Oduya’s new 3 year, $10.125 million deal. Kuba is 36 years old and may be looking for a 3 year deal. Sergei Gonchar will make $5.5 million and GM Bryan Murray will be looking to move him, though it will be unlikely that someone wants him at that number.
Andy Strickland of True Hockey: Blues prospect Vladimir Tarasenko told his KHL team on Saturday that he was planning on heading to North America for next season. The CBA prevents him from officially signing with the Blues until July 1st. He may still be negotiating a KHL contract in case there is an NHL lockout. The Blues may look to get a contract signed before July 1st and push the NHL to put it through. Devils Bryce Salvador might be able to get a 2 year deal at over $3 million per season on the open market, but may take less to stay with the Devils. Talks between the Canucks and Cory Schneider are on hold until they decide what to do with Roberto Luongo. He won’t sign for as long of term as long as Luongo is there. There have been little talks between the Oilers and Devan Dubnyk.
Elliotte Friedman of CBC: Tim Thomas agent, Bill Zito, denies that Thomas decision to sit out the season is a move to protect him from being traded. Thomas’s no-trade clause expires on July 1st. Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli said he isn’t inclined to make a deal, other teams believe he’ll be available. Friedman doens’t think teams will be scared off on Thomas. Zito also represents Tuukka Rask. Under Dallas Eakins new contract, he is not able to leave next year. The Maple Leafs didn’t want to add a 2nd year to a Tomas Vokoun deal. The Flyers were interested in Vokoun but cap issues hold them back until July 1st. If the Oilers were offered a good enough defenseman or even a goalie, would they move down in the draft to take a defenseman? In 2006, the Devils and Patrik Elias couldn’t get a deal worked out. He had a verbal agreement with the Rangers but they wouldn’t agree on a no-movement clause. Elias went back to the Devils and they did a deal.
Damian Cox of the Toronto Star: Scott Clemmensen may be a good fit for the Maple Leafs. Johan Hedberg could be an option as well.
Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: The Blue Jackets only have 2 goaltenders under contract for next season, Steve Mason and Allen York, and it’s their goal to have 5. Mason will likely only be back as a backup. They could trade him, but he’s due $3.2 million. He could be put on waivers or possibly bought out. The Blue Jackest could call the Canucks about Roberto Luongo, but he wouldn’t be their first choice. The Blue Jackets may only be lukewarm on Jonathan Bernier. Sergei Bobrovsky is another option. Free agents to keep in mind are Jonas Gustavsson, Josh Harding, Scott Clemmensen and Martin Biron.
