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…
Salary cap could increase $2 million which would the Penguins and others … James Wisniewski may seek #2 Dman money and/or be traded … NHL Draft Rumors
Shelly Anderson of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: The Pittsburgh Penguins and the rest of the league received some good news in that according to Gary Bettman, the salary cap could be going up by about $2 million from it's current $56.8…
No Market for Spezza? Volchenkov to Capitals? Harder for Bruins to trade Tim Thomas now
Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Jason Spezza has 5 years and $35 million left his salary, and he has a no-movement clause that doesn't kick in until July 1st. Many fans (44% of those polled by the Sun) would…
Malkin not going anywhere? Taylor Hall at center? Kubina and Afinogenov could be back with the Thrashers
Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Rossi has been told that the Penguins "are not entertaining the possibility of trading C Evgeni Malkin". Ron Cook of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette: Cook doesn't think the Penguins will bring back UFAs: Sergei…
Extension for Backstrom today? Kicking tires on Miller? yeah right … Time to trade Malkin? Tim Tomas for Brian Campbell?
TSN: There is a good chance that Nicklas Backstrom will be signing a long term contract extension with Washington Capitals this morning. The Capitals are only saying, "significant player-related announcement" is coming on Monday. George Malik of MLive: Rob Parker…
Would the Penguins trade Malkin? Can the Senators trade Kovalev?
Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Matheson wonders if it's time the Pittsburgh Penguins trade Evgeni Malkin for a couple wingers, and maybe a young gun or draft pick. 2 Top 6 wingers could combine for $8 million, to go…
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…
Ponikarovsky re-signing in Pittsburgh? Nonis staying with Leafs … Hemsky for #4, don’t count on it
Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: The Pittsburgh Penguins gave up their number 2 prospect, Luca Caputi, at the trade deadline for Alexei Ponikarovsky, a deal that hasn't played out as well as the Penguins had hoped. Ponikarovsky was brought…
Gagne back for game 4? Krejci done for rest of year … Holland asked to be President and have Yzerman become GM of Wings
Sam Charchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer: Flyers winger Simon Gagne, who broke is foot in game 4 against New Jersey, may suit up tonight for game 4 versus the Bruins. Gagne had an MRI done yesterday, and after his Friday…
Krejci Out … Flames not firing anyone? Spezza on the block? Jokinen not going Minsk
Steve Conroy of the Boston Herald: After being smoked by Mike Richards on a big open ice hit, David Krejci didn't return to the game. He was taken to local hospital for further evaluation. George Johnson of the Calgary Herald:…
Markov has Torn ACL … Jordan Staal Skating … NHL Draft rumors involving the Islanders
James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail: It was leaked the Montreal Canadiens defenseman Andre Markov has a torn ACL. Markov suffered the injury in Game 1 last Friday after taking a hit from Matt Cooke. Markov missed 37 games…