- Michael Traikos of the Toronto Sun: Some remaining free agents with less than two weeks to training camp: Cody Franson (reports of the Bruins and Sabres being interested), Jiri Tlusty (Hurricanes maybe), Sean Bergenheim, Curtis Glencross, Marek Zidlickly, and Brad Boyes.
“The clubs aren’t crazy. They’re sitting back and they know they don’t have to pay what they had to pay initially,” said Curran. “Cody Franson found himself in the same situation. There’s still half a dozen to a dozen players available who are going to be bargains.”
- Michael Russo of the Star Tribune: Wild GM Chuck Fletcher said it’s unlikely that they’ll bring in any of the unsigned veterans on a tryout. He did add that after he meets with his coaches next week, that could change. Russo adds that he had gotten the impression earlier that they could bring in a centerman like Stephen Weiss as insurance.
- Joe Haggerty of CSNNE: Former Bruin Daniel Paille is still looking for a team to play with this season. The 31-year old still thinks he can play in the NHL and is looking for a guaranteed contract over a PTO. He’s trying to find the right fit, and would consider Europe if he can’t find a NHL team.
- Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: Brandan Shanahan wanted to re-sign Cody Franson last season to a long-term deal. Then GM Dave Nonis thought that he could get a first round pick for him, which he ended up getting. Franson’s time with the Predators has dropped his stock. Someone one will likely get him on a short term deal at a bargain price.
- Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: Both David Conte and his son, Chris, have left the Devils. They were two of Lou Lamoriello’s closest associates when Lou was running the Devils. As of now, there is no plan for the Maple Leafs to add them to their staff.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Senators Chris Phillips confirmed this morning that he suffered a small crack in a disc in his back. He had been trying to come back after having surgery to repair a bulging disc.
“It’s a significant setback and it’s very frustrating,” said Phillips, who was fully recovered from the surgery and had returned to the ice on Aug. 20 for the first time. “The surgery went well and everything on that side was great. I don’t know if it was a complication of the rehab and I’m not 100% sure how it happened.”
Phillips said that he still wants to return, but he wants to make sure it won’t affect his quality of life down the road.