- Craig Custance of the SportingNews: Custance notes some intriguing players remain unsigned: Alex Kovalev (who’s not retiring according to his agent), Bryan McCabe, Scott Hannan and Ray Emery. The Bruins could use some help on the wing with Mark Recchi retiring and Michael Ryder heading to Dallas. The Rangers could use some scoring help up front, but a veteran along the blueline may be more important. Chris Osgood’s future with the Red Wings could be decided later this week. The Red Wings don’t want to spend much on their backup goalie. The Predators need to find some scoring help as only Sergei Kostitsyn and Patric Hornqvist scored over 20 goals. The Islanders are still $10 million below the salary cap floor. Kings GM Dean Lombardi continues to work the phones, and could be looking to add a winger.
- Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: Blue Jackets winger Kristian Huselius tore his pectoral muscle last weekend while bench pressing during a workout. He’s expected to miss 4 to 6 months after surgery (today in Columbus). Jackets GM Scott Howson will now look for a free agent winger who is able to play in the top 6. “I’m sure I’ll get some phone calls beginning (Thursday),” Howson said.
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: Though they are getting closer to hiring a new head coach, Devils GM Lou Lamoriello said “it won’t be this week.”
- Chris Kuc via twitter: The Blackhawks just started the negotiating process for RFAs Campoli and Frolik, there is no rush to get them signed.
- Dirk Hoag via twitter: Predators GM Poile “we’re in exactly the position we want to be competitive for a number of years. We have our window of opportunity.”
- Chip Alexander via twitter: Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford said they are basically done for the summer unless a good “hockey deal” comes along. He will need to add a few depth AHL players.
- Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: Kris Draper wants to return next year, and Red Wings GM Ken Holland plans to talk to him soon. The Wings don’t have cap problems, but they 14 forwards under contract already. The 40 year old Draper had 11 points in 47 games, and didn’t complain when he was made a healthy scratch. If he’s not offered a contract by the Wings, he’ll likely be offered a position within the organization.
- Wayne Scanlan of hte Ottawa Citizen: The Ottawa Senators have signed their 2011 1st round draft pick Mika Zibanejad to an entry level deal.
“Obviously, if I don’t (make the Senators), I’m going back to Sweden,” said Zibanejad
“I don’t think that’s a bad idea to be there and maybe develop, get bigger and stronger. Sweden is the second-best league in the whole world, so I think that’s the plan.”
- Predators unveil their new jersey’s: