- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: The Predators may be interested in Mike Fisher. The Senators have asked Chris Phillips if he’d waive his no-trade clause, and to get back to them by the end of next week. The Canadiens and Bruins could be leading candidates for him. Ray Emery should be signing a 1 year deal with the Anaheim Ducks today or tomorrow. Interest in Francois Beauchemin and Kris Versteeg is picking up. The Bruins, Canadiens and maybe the Rangers could be interested in him. The Rangers could use a pointman like a Kaberle, Souray or McCabe. It’s likely that Marc Savard is done for the year, and the Bruins could be looking for both forwards and defense. A GM told ESPN that Hemsky and Penner are in play, but they are wanting way too much. Jaromir Jagr may consider returning the NHL next season,
“If I had a chance to join a team that has a chance to win, maybe I’d think about it,” Jagr said. “I’d like to go on a team that has a chance to win the Stanley Cup or at least get into the playoffs and go far. I’d like just to help a team like that on the second or third line.”
- Dan Rosen of NHL.com: Panthers GM Dale Tallon has said he has no untouchable players, including Jacob Markstrom. He did add that he doubts that would happen. “Yeah, why not?” Tallon said. “This team hasn’t done anything in 10 years, so why wouldn’t I? It’s not like we’re a championship team. We’ve got to get better in every area.” The Panthers have 7 players who’ll be UFA’s, and they could be looking to add some more draft picks. They have 1 1st, 2 2nds, and 2 3rds so far.
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Both Ales Hemsky and Dustin Penner could be on the move. The LA Kings are looking for a top 6 forward. Ladislav Smid may need a change of scenery. Linus Omark is getting some interest. Would the Predators trade 2007 1st round pick Jonathan Blum for Omark? Jim Vandermeer, Jason strudwick, and Ryan Jones are UFA’s and could be moved. Matheson thinks that if the Predators offered up Ryan Ellis and a 1st rounder for Hemsky, the Oilers should listen. Also, that they should as for Wayne Simmonds and a 1st rounder for Hemsky.
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: The Rangers continue to monitor Sheldon Souray but don’t seem in a rush to get him from re-entry from the Oilers (he hasn’t been put on re-entry waivers yet). The Rangers have RFA’s Ryan Callahan, Brandon Dubinsky, Artem Anisimov, Brian Boyle, Michael Sauer and Matt Gilroy to deal with, and Wade Redden’s contract, so they may be monitoring what they can afford. Bringing in a Brad Richards would be more important that adding a Souray. They may also rather trade for a rental, such as Tomas Kaberle, than taking on a contract for next season.