- Eric Francis of the Calgary Sun: The Flames and Kris Russell’s agent have started contract extension talks this past week.
“I had very preliminary talks with Brad, and obviously, they’re big fans of Kris, and it’s home for him, so he’d like to stay,” said Roy following his visit to Calgary.
“Are we going to get something done? We are hoping. We are just beginning talks.”
The 28-year old Russell will be looking for a nice raise from his $2.6 million he’ll make this season. The Flames also have pending RFAs in Johnny Gaudreau, Sean Monahan and eventually Sam Bennett.
“Obviously, you want to be signed before free agency. It’s something that would be great to be done. But at the same time, I have to take care of my end and do my job. I feel like they want me, and I’m a part of this team.”
- Tim Panaccio of CSN Philly: Flyers defenseman Luke Schenn has been skating with the ‘extra’ players at practice and it’s looking like he could be put on waivers. Brandon Manning has now been paired with Michael Del Zotto and it’s not looking like that will change.
- Sarah McLellan of the Arizona Republic: Coyotes Shane Doan on if he’s thinking about playing beyond this season.
Yeah, I mean, I’ve approached it that way. That’s my approach that I’m going to play. I mean, obviously the Coyotes are going to have to want me. But at the same time … yeah, I’m approaching it as I am.
- Tim Campbell of the Winnipeg Free Press: Michael Frolik signed a five-year, $21.5 million contract with the Flames in July, and almost re-signed with the Jets. He had 10 minutes on July 1st to decide where he was going to sign.
“I think it’s a part of the hockey business,” Frolik said after this morning’s game-day skate. “It is how it is. We were very close with them and it was just a couple of different numbers. In the end, that’s the hockey business and you can’t really do anything about it.”
- Gary Lawless of the Winnipeg Free Press: Jets Andrew Ladd on if he’ll halt contract extension talks once the season starts.
“It’s certainly something I have to consider,” said Ladd, looking me in the eye and not bristling a bit at the question. “My contract and the business part of things can’t become a distraction to me or to my teammates. So setting it aside once the season starts is something we’ll (Ladd and his agents) have to discuss.”
Comparables are likely in the $6 million range.