Blackhawks off-season talk … Plekanec out-priced Montreal? Quick hits on Free Agents from Hradek
E.J. Hradek of ESPN: Hradek talked to Scott Niedermayer on if he'll retire or not. A decision will be made in the next few weeks, Hradrek thinks he'll retire. Where Ilya Kovalchuk signs is anyones guess, but Hradek doesn't think…
Kovalev not retiring … Extra money could keep Gonchar and Cooke in Pitt … No talks for Martin-Devils until coach is found
Ottawa Citizen: Despite reports (and wishes from some Senators fans}, Alex Kovalev won't be retiring and will be returning to the Sens lineup next season at $5 million. Kovalev had a disappointing first season with the Senators, scoring 18 goals…
Coaching and free agent NHL Rumors from around the League
Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: There's a good chance the Red Wings won't bring Kirk Maltby back for his 14th season, despite only making $500,000 last year. Dany Heatley was battling a groin injury in the playoffs. Heatley also…
Ilya Kovalchuk and Alexander Frolov get KHL Offers
TSN.ca: According to a Russian website (Sovsports) , Ilya Kovalchuk as received a 3-year, $30 million contract offer from the SKA St Petersburg. Kovalchuk would like to stay in the NHL, and will wait to see all his options on…
Senators looking ahead to Draft … Gonchar is key piece to Penguins off-season
Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Ottawa Senators are preparing for the NHL Draft and Bryan Murray has said, “Ideally, if we could get a skilled centre, that’d be great. If we can’t, then it’s the best player available.”…
The Penguins and Devils have some tough choices ahead
Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: The Pittsburgh Penguins have a solid nucleus locked up for at least next season: Crosby, Malkin, Staal, Fleury, Orpik and Letang. Due to their salary contraints, several players won't be re-signed, or if they do it…
Canucks to look at Kaberle? Leafs interested in Cervenka … “Almost one-third of the teams in the league either is or soon will be put up for sale”
Damien Cox of the Toronto Star: The Vancouver Canucks blueline took a beating during the playoffs, and throughout most of the season. Alex Edler looks to be a corner piece for the team, but they still could use a true…
Sale of Coyotes getting closer … Penguins UFAs … Shirokov Staying
Randy Sportak of the Toronto Sun: Gary Bettman thinks the sale of the Phoenix Coyotes could be getting closer to being finalized. "The process continues. There is much that has to be done with the city of Glendale, both by…
Marleau Should be Good for Game 2 … Predators, Devils, Senators, and Red Wings Off-Season Decisions
Gary Peterson of the San Jose Mercury News: Surprise game 1 scratch, Patrick Marleau, should be feeling better, and ready to return for game 2 on Sunday. Marleau was taken out of the line just before game one with 'flu-like'…
Changes Coming in LA and Buffalo … Devils Coaching Options
Helene Elliott of the Los Angeles Times: The LA Kings have 9 free agents to deal with this off-seaosn, 6 UFAs and 3 RFAs, and there is a chance at all 6 UFAs won't be back. Alexander Frolov could be…
New Jersey Devils Coach Jacques Lemaire Retires
In a bit of a surprise, New Jersey Devils head coach, Jacques Lemaire retires from coaching. Lemaire will stay with the club in a yet to be determined role. The news comes 4 days after the Devils were eliminated by…
Would the Caps Trade Semin? Lou wants Kovalchuk and Martin Re-signed
Tom Gulitti of the Record: Devils GM Lou Lamoriello has said that coach Jacques Lemaire will be back coaching next season, and that he'll try to re-sign Ilya Kovalchuk. There have been no talks as of yet between Lamoriello and…