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Some RFA’s to keep an eye on … No Bryzgalov for Leafs … Capitals D update … Datysuk expects to play today
Mark Easson
Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Garrioch thinks there are 3 restricted free agents to keep an eye on. Steven Stamkos: He probably would like one of those large 12 year, $120 million contracts, but the Lightning more interested in a 6 year, $8.5 million per season deal. Zach Parise: Parise could head to arbitration. He could sign a 1 year deal and become an unrestricted free agent next year. He could get a deal in the $5.5 million range. Shea Weber: The Predators aren’t big spenders, and Weber could be worth $6-6.5 million. Islanders coach Jack Capuano is likely to be named their full time coach. Ilya Bryzgalov and Tomas Vokoun are the top goalies on the market, look for the Avalanche to go after Vokoun. Garrioch thinks Ottawa’s Cory Clouston, Minnesota’s Todd Richards and Florida’s Peter DeBoer could all be looking for new work next year. Most managerial/coaching positions in Columbus may not be safe despite what their team president is saying.
Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: A source told LeBrun there is “no way” the Maple Leafs go after Ilya Bryzgalov this off-season. Goalie coach Francois Allaire and Bryzgalov don’t get along, and they also believe they have a starter in James Reimer. Their current plan is to see Jonas Gustavsson does in training camp. They could pick a goalie off waivers or bring back Giguere on a cheap one year deal. The Capitals hope to have Dennis Wideman back sometime during the playoffs. Mike Green feels he’s ready to go, and could play in a game or 2 before the playoffs. Tom Poti is skating, but they don’t know when he’ll return from the groin injury. It’s expected that Adam Foote could announce in the next 7-10 days that he’s retiring. The Ducks have some goaltending issues to address this offseason. Ray Emery will be a UFA, they are concerned about Jonas Hiller’s vertigo issues (3 more year, $4.5 million cap hit), and they have Dan Ellis for 1 more year at $1.5 million.
John Vogl of the Buffalo News: Ryan Miller is still unable to practice and did not travel with the team to Washington. He is still bothered by an upper body injury caused by a Dian Phaneuf slap shot. Jordan Leopold has been unable to see a hand specialist for the last week as he’s had the flu and then pneumonia.
Eric Stephens of OC Register: Ducks defenseman Lubomir Visnovsky left the game with an upper body injury after being hit by Doug Murray of the Sharks. He was favoring his shoulder and will be re-evaluated today.
Vancouver Province: Canucks defenseman Alex Edler could return on Thursday against the Wild but Saturday against the Flames is more likely.