- Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: Peter Chiarelli’s firing was about Cam Neely’s power, and how he is itching to use it. They will interview candidates like Ray Shero and Predators assistant GM Paul Fenton. Neely and CEO Charlie Jacobs will hear lots of different ideas. The Bruins will then hire Don Sweeney, the Bruins assistant GM for the past six seasons. While the GM search is going on:
“Anything that comes in, any hockey-related issues across the league or internally, come to me,” Neely said. “Then I’ll decide where they go from there.”
Neely knows the Bruins need to add skill and speed, but adds they don’t want to give up on the muscle.
“We got away a little bit from our identity that we had in the past,” Neely said. “I don’t think we were as hard a team to play against as we like to be and were in the past. I thought that got us some success. Our transition game probably needs some improvement, so getting the puck out of our end and through the neutral zone. I think we’ve got to find ways to create more offense.”
- Kevin Kurz of CSN Bay Area: (mailbag) Question of moving Brent Burns or Logan Couture for prospects/picks after coming off career seasons – that is part of the reason they are in this mess. Trading Couture would go against what they are trying to do – unless you could get a very good young player in return. Burns has a no-trade clause, and could bring back a decent return. The Sharks would be more likely to make a big move through trade as opposed to free agency. It’s still sounding like Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau aren’t going anywhere. It may be in the best interest of Matt Irwin to test free agency.
- Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer: The Hurricanes are looking at all options regarding Alex Semin. A buyout would cost them $14 million over six years. After signing his five-year, $35 million contract, he’s scored 28 goals in the past two seasons. He’s been a healthy scratch. He’s refused to speak with the media for most of the season. He’s been given extra chances, with the results being the same. You buy him out to get him away from your young players, sending a message that partial commitment is no longer acceptable.
- TSN: Darren Dreger saying that Brendan Shanahan received permission to speak with Coyotes Sean Burke earlier this week. They have had ongoing discussions this week.
- Stephen Whyno: The agent for Bruins Carl Soderberg said that he wants to play in the NHL and nowhere else.
- Hope Smoke: Bob McKenzie said a couple days ago that once the Red Wings are eliminated, the Wings will accelerate the process with Mike Babcock so they can move forward with Jeff Blashill.