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…
Kulemin-Maple Leaf talks at a standstill … Zherdev wanting to return to NHL … Capitals looking for a #2 center
Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: Talks between the Toronto Maple Leafs and winger Nikolai Kulemin are at a standstill. It is rumored that Kulemin is after a $3 million a year contract, after putting up 36 points in 78…
More on the Canadiens … Ryan and Ducks talking … Marleau to Toronto? Jacob Markstrom coming to North America?
Sean Gordon of the Globe and Mail: The Montreal Canadiens will have $13-14 million to fill out 9 roster spots. That is not a lot play when players like Tomas Plekanec, Jaroslav Halak and/or Carey Price are due for raises,…
Wings won’t do anything until Lidstrom decides what he’s doing … Horton trade bait … What will the Canadiens do now?
George Malik of MLive: Red Wings GM Ken Holland told MLive that they can't re-sign Tomas Holmstrom, Todd Bertuzzi, or any of their 5 RFAs before they hear if Nicklas Lidstrom will be back next season or not. Lidstrom has…
Kovalchuk to KHL? Marleau talk … Blues to go after a D-man?
Mark Everson of the NY Post: Reports are floating around that Ilya Kovalchuk is signing with St. Petersburg of the KHL, but ... "Don't jump to conclusions," warned the source at the World Championships in Germany. David Pollak of the…
Nabokov’s time in San Jose running out … Wild could look to adding another 1st round pick
Michael Russo of the Star Tribune: The Minnesota Wild have an extra 2nd round picks, 3 picks in the top 57, and 4 picks in the top 69. The Wild's GM Chuck Fletcher treats draft picks as 'currency' and may…
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…
Injury Updates … Is Tampa Right for Yzerman? Plenty of Free Agents in Washington
Dave Stubbs of the Montreal Gazette: Andre Markov returned to Montreal after game 1. He sustained a knee injury that will keep him out indefinitely. He will not require surgery. Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Jordan Staal is out…
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'…
Savard to Make a Return this Series? Heatley Ready to Go … Avalanche Getting Bodies Back
San Jose Mercury News wire: Dany Heatley is expected to be ready to go for game 4 tonight. Steve Conroy of the Boston Herald: Bruins concussed center Marc Savard returned to the ice for the first time since March 7th.…
NHL Playoff Injury Updates: April 19th
Jim Gintonio of the Arizona Republic: In last night's 4-2 victory over the Red Wings, the Coyotes lost team captain Shane Doan in the 2nd after he crashed into the boards. He'll be re-evaluated today, and is listed as day-to-day.…