- Paul Hamilton of WGR 550: Sabres GM Tim Murray said on WGR 550 that they are still deciding on whether to buy out Cody Hodgson or not. Hodgson is over in Sweden working on his skating. Murray said he needs to improve his skating and get in better condition.
Murray said that if Nikita Zadorov hasn’t learned from his mistakes last year, he could be sent to Rochester of the AHL next year.
Murray doesn’t foresee Sam Reinhart in the AHL next season, unless he’s struggling and needs to work on some things.
The Sabres will qualify RFA Mikhail Grigorenko. Murray isn’t sure where he fits in. He’d have to clear waivers if they want to send him to Rochester.
- Michael Russo of the Star Tribune: Contract talks between the Wild and Devan Dubnyk continue to be slow developing. GM Chuck Fletcher has to work on this, as well has looking to clear some space and work on a plan B if contract talks with Dubnyk go sideways. Russo thinks that Dubnyk is looking for a multi-year deal, possibly in the $5 million per year range.
- John Shannon: The Oilers are having their pro meetings over the next few days and the staffs top priority is to find a No. 1 goalie.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Senators are trying to re-sign UFA defenseman Chris Wideman before July 1st.
- Stephen Whyno: The Coyotes didn’t have much stock in free agency, but anything that they may have been considering before the lease issues, is likely done with as “this just froze that.”
- David Pagnotta: LeBlanc kind of let it slip that GM Don Maloney is looking at some “exciting” trade options.
- Chris Daniels: Moving the Coyotes to the US Airways Center is downtown Phoenix is too early to discuss according to owner LeBlanc.
- Elliotte Friedman: Told yesterday that there is no deadline between Kelly McCrimmon and Maple Leafs. No announcement doesn’t mean he declined the Maple Leafs offer.