- Ansar Khan of MLive: Red Wings Jimmy Howard will likely have to outplay Petr Mrazek in the preseason and at the start of the regular season to win back the No. 1 job. The Wings decided not to trade Howard this past offseason as they likely want to see if Mrazek can handle the load. Howard’s contract would have been difficult to move, and as long as they are in playoff contention, they’ll likely want to hold onto him for insurance. Howard could be moved next offseason. Mrazek ($737,500 salary this year) will be looking for a raise next year and it doesn’t make sense to have an expensive backup in Howard.
- Tim Campbell of the Winnipeg Free Press: Things have been quiet in Winnipeg lately. Andrew Ladd and Dustin Byfuglien will be UFAs after next season, and there have been hints that there has been progress on a new deal for Ladd. UFAs Jim Slater, Jiri Tlusty and Lee Stempniak don’t appear to be in the Jets future.
- Rick Westhead: Some team executives think that the NHL will use the World Cup of Hockey to test out ads on jerseys.
- Eric Stephens of the OC Register: The Ducks have signed Mike Santorelli to a one-year, $875,000 deal.
- Mark Lazerus: Blackhawks Phillip Danault will miss at least three months after having hip surgery yesterday.
- Craig Morgan of FOX Sports Arizona: Coyotes Martin Hanzal has been skating for a couple months after having surgery to repair a herniated disc back in February. He expects to be ready for the start of training camp. Injuries will likely always follow Hanzal.
“It’s a concern, but hopefully with this last surgery, it’s something we took care of,” Tippett said. “And hopefully, he puts the work in to keep it strong. We’re going to make sure we give him every resource to take care of himself because he’s such an important player on our team.”