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…
Boucher back Saturday? Rob Blake leaning to retirement … Nabokov would like to stay in San Jose … Yzerman needs to lock up Stamkos
Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer: Though it was speculated that his season was over after suffering sprained ligaments in both knees on May 10th, Brian Boucher returned to practice with the hope of dressing for game 1 on Saturday.…
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,…
Steve Yzerman named new GM of the Tampa Bay Lightning
Damian Cristodero of the St. Petersbrug Times: It came as a bit of surprise today that Steve Yzerman was named the new General Manager of the Tampa Bay Lightning. For weeks it was thought that he wasn't interested in taking…
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…
Options if Lidstrom Retires … Yzerman still considering Tampa? A new look Shark team next year?
George Malik of MLive: If Nicklas Lidstrom retires, Brian Rafalski could step up into a larger role. One option available for the Red Wings would be to call up the Maple Leafs and see what it would take for Tomas…
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…
Colorado Defenseman Outlook … Lightning not good for Yzerman? Hamhuis a good fit in Minnesota
John Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Matheson doesn't think Steve Yzerman will take the Tampa Bay Lightning GM job, as they are "set up to fail". The Oilers should go after Dustin Byfuglien and his $3 million contract. They have…
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 to Senators Defense for Next Year … Short List for Lightning GM … Coyotes and Avalanche Off-Season
Don Brennan of the Ottawa Sun: Some big changes to the Senators defense could be coming this off-season. The Sens may not be willing to give Anton Volchenkov the $5 million a year he might get on the open market.…
No Recent Talks Between Ryan and Ducks Yet … Savard Passes Neuropsychological Test … Jagr Return? Lightning GM Search
Eric Stephens of the OC Register: There has been no progress in contract negotiations between Bobby Ryan and the Anaheim Ducks. Ryan's agent hasn't met with team since the end of the season, but believes the two sides will meet…
St. Louis Open to Tampa Trading Him … Goalie Options for Philly … The Hudler Situation
Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The Blues won't be re-signing Paul Kariya. Martin St. Louis won't get in the way of Tampa Bay if they want to trade him. Toronto could be the front runner to get Jussi Rynnas…