David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: To start training camp, the Sharks have split up Joe Thornton and Dany Heatley. Thornton is centering Ryan Clowe and Devin Setoguchi, while Joe Pavelski is centering Dany Heatley and Patrick Marleau.
Sean Gordon of the Globe and Mail: Andrei Markov is still recovering from late season knee surgery, but it’s progressing. “In my dreams, I want to come back tomorrow, but I can’t. Maybe another month, I don’t know, maybe more, maybe less,” he said.
Chris Kuc of the Chicago Tribune: The 25 year old Brent Seabrook might be the next player GM Stan Bowman tries to lock up long term. Seabrook will be a RFA at seasons end, and is making $3.5 million this year.
Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Atlanta Thrashers prospect Patrice Cormier broke his foot after blocking a shot. Cormier was acquired in the Kovalchuk trade, but may be more known for being suspended from the QMJHL for a nasty hit.
Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: If the Columbus Blue Jackets defensive corps has some struggles during training camp/pre-season, don’t be surprised if Sheldon Souray talks heat up. The Oilers want a defenseman or 2 in return, and have cap space to take on more contract.
Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News: Ken Hitchcock will be attending the Red Wings training camp. “Hitch said, ‘I want to learn, can I come to camp?’ ” Babcock said. “He wants to learn, but I want to learn, too.” “If he can get something from us and we can get something from him, that’s a bonus.”
Tom Gulitti of the Bergon Record: The bringing in the versatile Adam Mair on a tryout means the Devils won’t be bringing back Dean McAmmond. Lou said the door isn’t closed in bringing back defenseman Mike Mottau. Mottau’s fate with the Devils depends on if they move out defenseman as they attempt to get under the cap.
Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: Maple Leafs coach Ron Wilson and defenseman Tomas Kaberle have had they private meeting to smooth things out regarding their alleged feud. “I know (a feud) is a nice story for you guys to hang your hats on,” he said added with a smile, “but there really isn’t an issue. I just wanted to get that out there and be on the offensive and give you the information so you aren’t running around thinking (he’s benched) and there is something else going on.”
Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Ottawa Senators have received calls to see if they would be interested in bringing in any of Robert Lang, Bill Guerin and Petr Sykora on a tryout, but they declined. They don’t have much room under the cap so they don’t want to bring anyone else in.
