Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune: There has been no progress since the end of November on contract extension talks with Steven Stamkos and the Tampa Bay Lightning. GM Steve Yzerman has said they had sent Stamkos’s side an initial proposal, but haven’t heard back about it. “It’s our intention to get him signed,” Yzerman said. “In our initial meetings with Newport (Guy’s agency), they said Steven is very happy in Tampa and wants to stay here and get a deal done, so we’ll do everything we can.” Speculation is starting if deal could be for $7+ million a season.
Erik Duhatschek of the Globe and Mail: Colby Armstrong is still wearing a patch over his eye after taking a sucker punch from Ben Eager (received a 4 game suspension), Armstrong’s eye was scratched. There is a chance he’ll be ready to play tonight, he’ll be have more medical tests today. JS Giguere and Mike Brown practiced yesterday and both could be ready for Thursday versus the Coyotes.
Jesse Spector of the NY Daily News: The New York Rangers have lost Alexander Frolov for the remainder of the season after he tore his ACL and meniscus and sprained MCL, and will require surgery. Frolov got tangled up with Brad Winchester of the Blues. Kris Newbury was recalled by the team.
Tom Reed of the Columbus Dispatch: Mike Commodore has been assigned to Springfield of the AHL, if he plays for them or another AHL team is still in question. The Blue Jackets have recalled Grant Clitsome to take his roster spot.
Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: Bruins defenseman Mark Stuart has been put on the IR, and Matt Bartkowski was recalled. Adam McQuaid has a “unspecified injury or illness” and may not be able to go, Bartkowski could fill in.
Jeff Gordon of the St. Louis Post Dispatch: Cory Clouston could be the next coach to be fired and the Senators might be eying Dave Cameron (Canadian World Junior coach) as his placement. Senators GM Bryan Murray could also be on the hotseat with TSN analyst Pierre McGuire as a possible replacement. Blues defenseman Erik Johnson could use Jack Johnson’s 7 year, $30.5 million as motivation for his next contract. Robin Lehner could see some time in the Senators net as Brian Elliot struggles and Pascal Leclaire is still hurt.
Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Mainly formed due to the illness of Malkin and Kennedy at practiced yesterday, Matt Cooke, Jordan Staal and Tyler Kennedy were back together, and could see game action together.
