- Steve Gorten of the Sun Sentinel: Panthers GM Dale Tallon has told Tomas Vokoun he has no plans on trading him. “He likes me, and he has no interest in shopping me or trading me unless there’s a great deal that would make sense,” Vokoun told the Sun Sentinel. “Obviously, everybody’s tradable. He said if it was best for the future of the organization, he would have to do it. But from what I understand, he wants me around.”
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Talks between Anton Volchenkov and the Ottawa Senators continue, but it doesn’t appear they are close to anything. Garrioch thinks the Kings and Canucks are in the market for a top 4 blueliner. Both Andy Sutton and Matt Cullen have shown their desire to remain in Ottawa.
- Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: Brian Burke met with the MLSE board of directors to outline his vision, budget, and player personel matters for the Maple Leafs and Marlies. According to MLSE CEO Richard Peddie, “Excellent job. Burke and (Dave) Nonis updated board on strategy and progress for both Leafs and Marlies. Got the $$ he requested and more. Board is very comfortable with direction.” The Leafs don’t plan on buying Jeff Finger out of his contract. Talks with Kulemin aren’t going anywhere, but Burke says there is still plenty of time.
- Vicki Hall of the Calgary Herald: The Flames will be in search of scoring this off-season, to improve on their 29th ranking last year. GM Sutter has no plans on trying to trade back in the 1st round at the draft. The Flames are also without a 2nd round pick, but have 2 3rd round picks, and 2 4ths, and probably won’t take a goalie with any of those picks. Eric Nystrom could be too expensive for the Flames. Ian White, among others will receive a qualifying offer.
- Jeff Gordon of the St. Louis Post Dispatch: The Blues have some decisions to make on the ‘depth’ side of their roster. They had 2 ‘enforcers’ (Cam Janssen and DJ King) on their roster, and only really need one. Janssen is a more rounded player and will likely get the nod. Brad Winchester didn’t take advantage of the opportunity he was given last year. Mike D’Agostini hasn’t done enough to warrent a one-way deal.
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Colorado Avalanche forward Peter Mueller is a restricted free agent this year, but determining his worth may be difficult considering he suffered a severe concussion that cut his season short. He recorded 20 points in 15 games for the Avalanche in a draft day trade with the Coyotes. Could he get $3 million a year, despite having 2 concussions in his short career.
- David Shoults of the Globe and Mail: The Ontario Superior Court has reinstated Todd Bertuzzi’s lawsuit against Marc Crawford, stemming from the ‘Steve Moore Incident’. In March, Bertuzzi’s side missed the deadline to file paperwork. Moore is suing Bertuzzi for $38 million, Bertuzzi is saying that Crawford encouraged the attack and should pay for it. Regardless, neither Bertuzzi or Crawford would have to pay out of their own pocket, as it would be covered by the Canucks insurance.