- Brad Ziemer of the Vancouver Sun: The Canucks have started talks with Alex Burrows regarding a contract extension.
“We have had preliminary discussions about extending Alex’s contract,” Gilman said. “But beyond that it’s not our policy to discuss ongoing negotiations.”
“Alex is an important player on our team, both on the ice and in our dressing room,” Gilman said. “And if we can get him signed to a long-term deal that keeps him with us for a number of years it would be a very good thing.”
Comparables could be Wayne Simmonds ($3.975 million), Johan Franzen ($3.975 million), and Ryan Callahan ($4.25 million). If Shane Doan signs with the Canucks, it may impact Burrows.
“As you know, we have had talks with both Shane personally and with Shane’s representative (Terry Bross),” Gilman said. “We have tendered an offer. At this point, Shane is looking at his alternatives and we are waiting for him to decide what he wants to do.”
The Canucks will also start contract extension talks with Alex Edler, who is in the last year a deal that will pay him $3.25 million.
“It is safe to assume we will be commencing discussions with Alex’s representative (Mark Stowe) in a short period of time,” Gilman said.
- NHL.com: Islanders defenseman Lubomir Visnovsky crashed his Ferrari into a barrier during a Automotodróm Slovakia Ring motor circuit race. He was uninjured.
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: The Rangers and Michael Del Zotto are not close on a deal. The Rangers reportedly offered Del Zotta a multi-year deal in the $2.2 million to $2.5 million range. Lubomir Visnovsky will have his hearing on September 4th to determine if the Ducks wrongfully traded him to Islanders, violating his no-trade clause. Rangers Michael Sauer is still believed to be bothered by concussion symptoms. He suffered a concussion on December 5th from a Dion Phaneuf hit.
- Craig Custance of ESPN: Because of the depth on the Coyotes blueline with young guys like Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Brandon Gormley, it’s one of the reasons the Coyotes have entertained calls on Keith Yandle.
- Sarah McLellan of the Arizona Republic: Coyotes GM Don Maloney,
“We’re still waiting on our ownership situation to be resolved,” Maloney said. “It’s still trending positively. We’re still very optimistic about it. Once that happens, hopefully we can re-sign Shane to a deal that works for both of us.”
Contract extension talks with goalie Mike Smith have been put on hold until the ownership situation is settle.
“When you start looking at big contracts (including the length of deals), you certainly want ownership to be included in the process,” Maloney said.
“We exchanged some ideas,” Maloney said.