- Rich Chere of NJ.com: Devils Eric Gelinas is hoping to get a new contract before the start of training camp, like how it played out last year.
“Last year was a little bit stressful at the end. Hopefully it can go smoothly this year,” Gelinas said. “Hopefully it won’t come down to the same thing as last year. I don’t know if they’ve been talking. I haven’t heard anything if they are.”
Adam Larsson is hoping he can get a deal done sooner than later as well.
“I hope so. We’ll see,” Larsson said. “I’m going to go home and spend some time with my family right now and not think about hockey for a little bit.”
Depth on the blueline may hurt Gelinas, who could be moved in a deal for a forward. Larsson could be looking at a deal in the $1.2 to $1.5 million range. A three-year, $4.5 million contract might work for both sides.
- Rich Chere of the NJ.com: A look at the Devils eight free agents and what they might do with them.
Scott Gomez (UFA) – would be smart to bring him back and they probably will.
Jordin Tootoo (UFA) – will likely look to keep him.
Steve Bernier (UFA) – could come down to him or Tootoo.
Michael Ryder (UFA) – no chance of a return.
Bryce Salvador (UFA) – willing to give up his captaincy to remain. Would be added depth and a part-time player. Health risk.
Peter Harrold (UFA) – could re-sign and use him as an insurance call-up from the AHL if he’s willing.
Martin Havlat (UFA) – often injured and fell out of favor with the coaches.
Mark Fraser (UFA) – added depth that could play in the AHL.
Stefan Matteau (RFA) – will re-sign and could fill Dainius Zubrus’s role.
Adam Larsson (RFA) – will re-sign. Played well under Scott Stevens.
Eric Gelinas (RFA) – will re-sign, but could be part of a trade.
- Mike Chambers of the Denver Post: Looking at the top five free agent defensemen that the Avs might be interested in, taking into account their age, shot side and salary demands:
1. Andrej Sekera (28 – L)
2. Cody Franson (26 – R)
3. Matt Irwin (27 -L)
4. Mike Green (29 – R)
5. Andrej Meszaros (29 – L)Other options in no order: Johnny Oduya, 33, Chicago; Francois Beauchemin, 34, Anaheim; Zbynek Michalek, 32, St. Louis; Matt Bartkowski, 26, Boston; Adam McQuaid, 28, Boston; Jeff Petry, 27, Montreal; Paul Martin, 34, Pittsburgh; Christian Ehrhoff, 32, Pittsburgh; Barret Jackman, 34, St. Louis.
- Michael Smith: Hurricanes GM Ron Francis said that they “will look at all of the options” with regards to Alex Semin moving forward, and will decide what would be best for the organization.
- Michael Smith: Francis said that their injuries this season really exposed their lack of organizational depth, and that it is something that they need to address.