Kevin Allen of USA Today: The Rangers are getting close to signing Mats Zuccarello to a multi-year contract extension worth $4.5 million according to a source with knowledge of the situation.
John Shannon: Not done, but sounds like it will be four yeasr at $4.5 million per year.
Brian Hedger: Blackhawks Patrick Sharp calls all rumors about him “completely false and untrue,” and adds there are no chemistry issues with the team. Sharp said he’s considering consulting an attorney to see about any legal recourse about the rumors.
Pierre LeBrun: Interest in Erik Cole is picking up. Three or four teams are bidding on the pending UFA. The Bruins are one of the teams.
Darren Dreger: The Maple Leafs are not shopping Jonathan Bernier and they likely won’t trade him, but there is some interest in him. They will listen.
David Pagnotta: Coyotes Zbynek Michalek seems to be the next to go. A few teams have asked the Coyotes about Mikkel Boedker.
Craig Custance: When Michalek is traded, the draft picks will likely have conditions on them as protection for his concussion.
David Pagnotta: The Canadiens are still trying to add a top-six forward with term and a top-four defenseman. Things have been quiet in Montreal as usual.
B.D. Gallof: The Islanders aren’t offering any players around. They are just listening and seeing if situation changes. Has basically been the same since January.
