- Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer: Flyers executives are still undecided on whether to buyout Ilya Bryzgalov’s contract or not. The Flyers already have $65.6 million committed to 19 players next season, with Bryzgalov carrying a $5.67 million cap hit for the next seven seasons.
“It’s not like it’s a no-brainer,” said someone familiar with the situation.
- David Shoalts of the Globe and Mail: There are at least four GM’s who are on the hot seat: Sabres Darcy Regier, Panthers Dale Tallon, Avalanche’s Greg Sherman and maybe Flames Jay Feaster. If the GMs in Calgary and Colorado are let go, expect the coaches to follow. Ron Rolston in Buffalo is on an interim basis at the moment. Flyers coach Peter Laviolette could be let go. Coyotes GM Don Maloney and coach Dave Tippett may leave, but by their choice.
- James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail: It will be interesting to see how the Maple Leafs handle Tyler Bozak (UFA) and Phil Kessel (UFA after next season) this offseason. Bozak may get some attention on the open market as the center market is a little thin. There are questions if Bozak could excel without having Kessel, and is better suited for a 2nd or 3rd line role and not on the top line. Kessel could be looking at a raise into the $7 to $8 million range on his next contract. Bozak is said to be looking for something similar to Tuomo Ruutu’s 4 year, $19 million deal. That could be a lot money tied into Kessel and Bozak. Early indications are that the Leafs want to keep both.
- Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette: The Canadiens have 20 players under contract for next season with $2.835 million in cap space. That number could increase close to $7 million if they use their second amnesty buyout on Tomas Kaberle. GM Marc Bergevin’s offseason wish list includes at least one top-line forward. Michael Ryder is a UFA and could be one of the better forwards available. The Canadiens may not be able to retain him due to money or term offered by other teams. They may look at bringing back UFA Jeff Halpern. RFAs include Michael Blunden, Ryan White, Petteri Nokelainen and Gabriel Dumont. UFA Yannick Weber probably isn’t in the teams plans.
- Woody Paige of the Denver Post: Paige thinks the Avalanche should let GM Greg Sherman go, let Joe Sakic take over, and hire George Gwozdecky to coach the team. Gwozdecky was the coach of the Denver Pioneers’ and won two NCAA titles.
- Penguins.NHL.com: The Penguins have signed college free agent goalie Eric Hartzell to a one-year entry level deal. Hartzell was a Hobey Baker finalist after posting a 30-7-5 record, 1.57 GAA and .933 SV %. Corey Pronman: Smart by the Penguins to give him only a one-year deal, as it gave him more incentive to sign.
- L.A. Lariviere: Antoine Laganiere (Yale) said that Canadiens showed interest yesterday morning for the first time. The Canucks are one of the teams interested.