- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: Rangers GM Glen Sather said that Sean Avery could be back with the Rangers at some point. “Of course we could recall him if he’s in Hartford and earns that,” Sather said. “You never know; somebody could play his way off this team.”
- James Gordon of the Ottawa Citizen: This could be Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson last NHL season:
“It all depends on how I feel, but I’m going to play like this is my last year and we’ll see how it goes. I think I approach it that way — that it could be the last one because you never know. I’m just going to give it everything I have and have no regrets looking back after.”
Alfie hasn’t ruled out heading to a cup contender:
“That might change, but as of right now, I have no desire to do that. I haven’t even thought about it that way. I’m committed to stay here, but who knows: things could change come February or March. But right now, I’d say ‘no’ to that question.”
- David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: A final decision on whether Martin Havlat plays in Saturday’s opener has yet to be determined as Havlat was still on his way back from Cleveland. ESPN was saying he won’t be in the lineup. Sharks want to talk with Havlat and trainers. Tommy Wingels could take Havlat’s spot on the 2nd line if he’s not able to go.
- Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette: The Canadiens have claimed Blair Betts off waivers from the Flyers yesterday. He’s expected to be in the lineup tonight for their opener against the Maple Leafs. Betts replaces Andreas Engqvist on the 4th line. Aaron Palushaj and Michael Blunden were sent to the AHL and Jeff Woywitka could join them if he clears waivers. Andrei Markov and Ryan White have been placed on IR.
- Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: It sounds like there is a verbal agreement for Matthew Hulsizer to buy the majority stake in the Blues, and that Dave Checketts could stay on in some capacity. 2 sources are saying a letter of intent has been signed, while another is saying it’s a verbal agreement and far from completion.
- Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun: Tyler Bozak is not thinking about trade rumors that surround him and defenseman Carl Gunnarsson. “I’m not thinking of it, not at all,” Bozak said. “We have a home opener (on Thursday night) and that’s the only thing on my mind right now. “(Steckel) will help us a ton. We saw what Burkie (general manager Brian Burke) can do and he has been doing a great job.”
- Jason Botchford via twitter: Canucks forward Ryan Kesler has been cleared for contact. Botchford thinks he’ll be playing in 2 weeks barring any setbacks.
- Eric Stephens via twitter: Ducks put defenseman Toni Lydman and Matt Smaby on IR.
- Tracey Myers via twitter: Blackhawks center David Bolland is now questionable for the weekend.
- Dan Tencer via twitter: Oilers defenseman Ryan Whitney says it’s unlikely that he’ll play on Sunday, but isn’t closing the book on it. Dan Tencer via twitter: Oilers defenseman Ladislav Smid is hopeful he’ll be able to go this weekend.
- JP Hoornstra via twitter: The Kings have sent Slava Voynov to the AHL and placed Jake Muzzin and Colin Fraser to the IR.
- Katie Strang via twitter: Devils name Zach Parise captain, Kovalchuck and Elias get A’s.