- Jordan Chidley-Hill (CP) in the Toronto Star: Panthers Aaron Ekbad said he’s over the concussion he suffered about three weeks ago in a world junior exhibition game.
“The concussion is perfectly, completely gone. I feel great,” said Ekblad. “I’ve been skating all this week, working out all this week. It’s gone. I feel great.”
Ekblad will be ready for training camp and is expected to be in their opening day lineup.
- Dan Rosen of NHL.com: The Red Wings attempted to bring in right-handed defenseman Matt Niskanen and Dan Boyle this offseason. They obviously were unsuccessful and GM Ken Holland is still likely looking for a right-handed shot from the point. They currently have seven left-handed shots on the blueline.
- Derek Van Diest of NHL.com: The Oilers were unsuccessful in their attempt to bring in an offensive center this offseason. They will look to fill the role from within with Mark Arcobello, Anton Lander and Leon Draisaitl the leading candidates. The Oilers plan on giving Draisaitl every opportunity to make the team.
- Aaron Vickers of NHL.com: The Flames already had Karri Ramo in net, but went out and signed Jonas Hiller this offseason. GM Brad Treliving wanted to create competition for the No. 1 role and is not handing it to anyone just yet.
“When you add Hiller, a veteran guy who has had success in the League, you’re not conceding the net to anybody,” Treliving said. “We’ve made the position stronger. You look at Karri now, there’s a guy there to push who has had success. But even in Jonas’ situation, he’s coming off what could be considered down years for him. I don’t think Karri’s sitting here looking to surrender anything.
“I think we’ve created competition in the goal. It’ll make the position better.”