George Richards of the Miami Herald: Panthers GM Randy Sexton doesn’t have any unrestricted free agents to deal with this summer, which is rare. 4 of their major restricted free agents are Jason Garrison, Kenndal McArdle, Gregory Campbell, and Kamil Kreps (not very ‘major’ in my opinion). Sexton thinks there will be quite a few trades after the Stanley Cup playoffs are over, and he hopes to be in the trade discussions.
Bernie Miklasz of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Reports are suggesting that there could be 6-7 NHL franchises for sale, or will be soon. TowerBrook Capital owns 75% of the St. Louis Blues, and are looking to sell their stake in the club. During the regular season, they are basically a ‘break-even’ club, getting into the playoffs would probably put them in a position to make some money. Though he owns a minority stake in the club, Dave Checketts has been the spokesperson from the management side, and seems to be doing a good job. Miklasz brings up a good point in that “With several NHL franchises on the market, why would you want to own 75 percent of the Blues and retreat to the background in deference to Checketts?”.
Kevin Allen of the USA Today: The Phoenix Coyotes surprised many with their play this year, despite all the turmoil surrounding the sale/no sale of the the club, and doing it on a payroll that was the 3rd lowest in the league. The low payroll will likely have to change for the new owners if they want to keep roughly the same team together. Zbynek Michalek will not likely be re-signed as he’s rumored to be looking for $4 million a season. RFA’s that will be looking for raises are Wojtek Wolski, Scottie Upshall, Martin Hanzal, and Sami Lepisto. Kyle Turris and Mikkel Boedker are former first round picks with the club that could be ready next season.
