- George Sipple of the Detroit Free Press: It’s unlikely that Marek Zidlicky will return to the Red Wings next season with Alexey Marchenko, Xavier Oullet, Ryan Sproul and Nick Jensen close to being NHL ready. Zidlicky said that the he wants to be recovered from his “concussion-like symptoms” before he starts thinking about his future.
- Tom Gulitti of The Record: Devils Patrik Elias is unsure where he sits with new GM Ray Shero.
“I really don’t know” Elias said today. “I know Mr. Shero is a very respected GM. He did a great job in Pittsburgh and in Nashville when he was part of it (as an assistant GM). So, I know, in that regard, he’s very respected and I believe he’s going to do a great job for this organization going forward. I guess it’s up to him to kind of talk to me about it and let me know where he stands with me.
“Honestly, if he wants to change things around and this is not a place for me anymore, it’s OK. It happens. And if he wants to keep me around and still be a part of the team, then I’ll be more than happy.”
The 39-year old Elias has a year left on his deal and full no-trade clause. Shero and Elias have already had one phone conversation and they could meet this week in New Jersey.
“It was just introducing himself, which was very nice, and that’s about it,” Elias said of his telephone conversation with Shero. “He said when he comes back, he’ll get in touch with me and we’ll see what happens.”
- Craig Custance of ESPN: A source that is close to Auston Matthews on the possibly playing with Zurich of the Swiss league under Marc Crawford: “He’s ready. He wants to play with men. He wants to challenge himself.”
Oscar Moller was interested in returning the NHL last offseason, but the Kings weren’t able to squeeze him in. The Kings hold his rights until July 1st, 2016 and he’s expected that he’ll return then. He was one year left on his KHL deal.
The Capitals likely won’t be able to re-sign Mike Green. They should look at trading his rights for a draft pick.
Expect teams to try and trade bad contracts this offseason. Teams like the Flames and Sabres have in the past said that they would take a bad contract along with some young assets. Budget teams could look to take on a higher cap hit with lower salaries to get to the salary cap floor. The Maple Leafs have some bad contracts they might like to move.
- Mike Vogl: Don’t see any great fits with regards to the Capitals and the top free agent right wingers. The Caps would likely have to find one through a trade.