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Rumors III: Kuemper, Niederreiter, Niemi, Malone and Del Zotto/Schenn
Mark Easson
Bob McKenzie: The Wild have goalies Niklas Backstrom and Josh Harding under contract and are hoping to get Darcy Kuemper on a two-way contract. Kuemper is looking for a one-way deal.
Michael Russo of the Star-Tribune: Darcy Kuemper’s agent confirmed that they are looking at KHL options. The Wild would retain Kuemper’s rights and a KHL deal would have some sort of out clause to return to the NHL. Kuemper doesn’t have much leverage, so using KHL is not that much of a surprise. With Backstrom and Harding appearing healthy, GM Chuck Fletcher is likely to stand his ground. The risk for the Wild is if Kuemper does leave for the KHL and something happens to either or both of Backstrom and Harding, with both have health issues as recently as last year. Nino Niederreiter also remains unsigned for the Wild. A bridge deal may make the most sense.
Kevin Kurz of CSN Bay Area: Antti Niemi’s days as the Sharks starter could be over. Kurz thinks that it might be time to start phasing Niemi out, who’ll be a UFA at the end of the season. The Sharks may be hoping that Niemi can play well at the start of the season and then continue to look for trade partner if they feel Alex Stalock can handle the load.
Steve Zipay: Ryan Malone will be skating with the Rangers for the rest of the week and has been talking with GM Glen Sather.
Tim Panaccio: Flyers coach Craig Berube said last month that he would try Michael Del Zotto on a pairing with Luke Schenn. They have been working together in their pre-camp skates.
