Mike Heika of the Star-Telegram: With Tom Hicks and the Dallas Stars having some money issues, they will once again be under a tight budget for next year. The Stars have an internal cash budget of $45 million. They’ve had trouble selling the more expensive seats, and will be rolling back some of those prices next year.
John Glennon of the Tennessean: The Preds are another team that aren’t sure if they are buyers or sellers. They could use some scoring depth and a penalty killer. Dan Hamhuis and one of Dan Ellis or Pekka Rinne could be available for trade, as all will be UFA’s at the end of the season.
Eric Stephens of the OC Register: The Ducks are unsure if they are buyers or sellers this year, as they are hanging around the last playoff spot. They could bring in some guys to bolster their playoff chances, or they could become sellers with assets like Scott Niedermayer, Saku Koivu, Teemu Selanne, and others.
Chris Botta of NYI Point Blank: Andy Sutton and Dwayne Roloson might become available on the Isle. A few teams have inquired about Sutton already.
George Sipple of the Detroit Free Press: The Red Wings will welcome back Johan Franzen tonight, Drew Miller is also expected to play. Niklas Kronwall won’t be in the lineup as he’s still waiting for a knee brace. Tomas Holmstrom is a game time decision. Ole-Kristian Tollefsen cleared waivers and was assigned to Grand Rapids of the AHL.
Robyn Norwood of the LA Times: Ducks all-star and Team Canada member, Ryan Getzlaf, suffered an ankle sprain last night. Initial X-Rays were negative, and a MRI is scheduled for today.
Ray Parrillo of the Philadelphia Inquirer: Ray Emery missed his 3 straight game because of a sore hip. He had an MRI done on it to determine what is causing the issue. They are optomistic that it’s not a long term problem.