- Adam Vingan of the Tennessean: The Predators are close to a contract extension with free agent center Mike Fisher. It could be finalized this week according to Fisher’s agent Todd Reynolds. The deal is likely for two-years. The Predators don’t intend to re-sign free agents Matt Cullen, Mike Santorelli, Cody Franson and Anton Volchenkov. Contract talks with Mike Ribeiro continue.
- Jeff Gordon of the St. Louis Post Dispatch: The Blues could make T.J. Oshie, Patrik Berglund or David Backes available as GM Doug Armstrong said he may be willing to part with some of his established players.Trading Oshie would make the most sense for the Blues, and he could have good trade value this offseason. The Panthers and Penguins would be great fits for him.Berglund has good size and skill and could bring value in a supporting role.
If the Blues make Backes available, he’ll get plenty of interest from contending teams.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: It’s a crowded goalie market with Robin Lehner/Craig Anderson, Cam Talbot and Eddie Lack available, and the Kings listening, not shopping, Martin Jones.
“Somebody needs to make a move to shake this goalie market loose a bit,” said a league executive. “Everybody is kind of waiting to see where one of these guys is going to go and what the team making the deal is going to get. That’s going to help set the market here.”
The Oilers hope to get a goalie for a second round pick. The Senators are hoping to get more than a second round pick for a Lehner or Anderson.
- Rich Chere of the Record: Devils GM Ray Shero.
“I think you’re open to anything. You’re open to trading it. You can’t have a closed mind,” Shero told NJ Advance Media. “You can trade up or trade down. I wouldn’t rule that out. A lot of things take place on the draft floor.”
The Devils could package a player or two with the sixth pick to move up in the draft. Shero could also move down if they got a good enough return for their pick.
“We’ve always been (receptive of trading) up or down,” director of scouting David Conte said.