- 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 puck moving defenseman. Cox brings up Tomas Kaberle, who could fit that bill, and has been mentioned to Vancouver before the trade deadline. I’m sure this will come up plenty of times throughout the summer, and Cody Hodgson’s name will most likely be attached to it often.
- Damien Cox of the Toronto Star: The Toronto Maple Leafs are looking at signing Czech forward, Roman Cervenka, a decision won’t be made until after the World Championships. Cervenka’s name gained popularity since Jaromir Jagr began singing his praise, and it was rumored that if he was to come back to the NHL, he wanted to be ‘packaged’ with Cervenka.
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: There is a rumor out there that NY Islanders owner Charles Wang is getting a loan/advance from the NHL, and that they might be helping run the Islanders like they did for the Coyotes before they bought him. Brooks contacted Bill Daly asking questions about the rumor, Daly said they are not involved with the Islanders, have not be ‘given’ the team, and have not advanced or loaned money to the team.
- Ken Campbell of The Hockey News: Campbell reports that there are rumors that “almost one-third of the teams in the league either is or soon will be put up for sale“. It’s not just the Coyotes, Stars, and Thrashers. Kings owner Philip Anschutz may be tired of losing money in LA, but he does own the building in Kansas City. The Predators are always looking for money. The Hurricanes and Devils could be available in the near future. Some teams operating losses are between $20-$30 million a season. Islanders owner Charlie Wang has been trying to get his ‘Lighthouse’ project going for years, without much luck, and may soon lose his patience and sell/move his team.
- Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Bay Tribune: The Lightning are still without a GM, but their remaining staff is still looking ahead to the NHL Draft in June. Their going with the plan of drafting the ‘best player available’ regardless of position. A good decision for them as they could use help at all positions. The Lightning are picking 6th overall.
- Rejean Tremblay of the Cyberpresse: So it looks like Jaroslav is the main man in Montreal these days, but it still might not get him a huge payday from the Canadiens. Though it could be really bit them in butt if they he is traded or signs an offer sheet and it’s not matched, and outplays Carey Price. There are many out there that still think that Price will be a better long term goalie than Halak. But for the time being, Halak is the toast of Montreal.