Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The Coyotes know they need to re-sign Ilya Bryzgalov, but how much can they afford. He currently is making $4.25 million, and they may not be able to go higher than $5.25 million per season. There may not be a big market for goalies this summer, the Maple Leafs could be interested if he hits the market. Keith Yandle will also be looking for new deal, and he could jump from $1.3 million to the around the $4 million mark.
Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson still hasn’t ruled out returning to the lineup this year. Alfie has been rehabbing his back, and hopes to avoid surgery. Sens GM Bryan Murray started contract talks with goalie Craig Anderson last week, nothing is imminent.
Jim Souhan of the Star Tribune: Wild defenseman Brent Burns won’t be a free agent until after next season, but if GM Chuck Fletcher thinks that he is not worth around $6 million a year in an extension, he may have to look at trading him. He may be a valuable trade assest. Souhan mentions Zach Parise, who’s a RFA, and may have difficulty working out a deal with New Jersey.
Jesse Spector of the NY Daily News: The NY Rangers are still unsure if Henrik Lundqvist will be able to start on today. Lundqvist didn’t practice yesterday with a stiff neck. Chad Johnson will get the start if Lundqvist can’t go.
Jesse Spector of they NY Daily News: Sean Avery has been a healthy scratch in 2 of the last 3 Rangers games, and may not fit into the Rangers future plans. Avery has 1 more year on a $15.5 million deal. Dallas and the Rangers are each paying half his contract. “I’m just trying to come every day and work on my game, work on my conditioning,” Avery said after a morning workout in Greenburgh. “I can’t control what happens. I can only control what I’m gonna do. So I really didn’t put a lot of attention on thinking about (lineup status). I just came in ready to work.”
Chip Alexander via twitter: Sharks forward Logan Couture injured his leg last night, but later tweeted that he should be back soon.
Gene Wang of the Washington Post: Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau said yesterday that goalie Semyon Varlamov will return sometime in the next week. Braden Holtby, despite going 4-0 with a 1.05 GAA, was reassigned to the AHL. Arnott has an undisclosed injury, Boudreau said he could be out ‘7 to 10 days’ but he’s listed as week-to-week. Mike Green will likely skate on Monday, and will be day-to-day. He’s missed 17 of last 19 games with a concussion.
Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: If JS Giguere gets a contract for next year, he’ll likely have to take a about a $6 million pay cut. He makes $7 million this year, and would likely get a deal around $1 million.
