James Duthie via Twitter: So the ‘Hawks win the cup, everyone is happy, in the back of the minds of management, they start shaking their heads …. Their salary cap issue already a problem, and now it just got worse. Jonathan Toews received a $1.3 million bonus for winning the Conn Smythe, and since they are already at this years salary cap, it gets applied to next seasons cap number.
Eric Duhatschek of the Globe and Mail: Duhatschek writes the 6,784th article on the Blackhawks cap issues for next season, with at least another 6,201 to come.
Mark Everson of the NY Post: The New Jersey Devils are reportedly looking in to Tomas Kaberle, and possibly Dan Hamhuis. Paul Martin is a UFA for them, but could be on his way out after making $4.5 million. Burke may be looking for a solid young player and a draft pick. New Jersey doesn’t have a 1st round pick this year (sent to Atlanta, along with one of their top prospects), their first pick is at #38.
Jim Jamieson of the Vancouver Province: UFA Dan Hamhuis said there are pros and cons in playing a market like Vancouver. Hamhuis makes his off-season home in his hometown of Smithers, BC. He’s the type of player they would covet this off-season, but may have priced himself out their range. The Canucks made a pitch for him at the deadline, but wouldn’t meet the demands of the Predators. The Preds were after Cody Hodgson and a 1st round pick.
Kevin McGran of the Toronto Star: Nikolai Kulemin wants to remain a Toronto Maple Leaf, and Maple Leafs are ‘musing’ the idea of signing Tomas Kaberle to a contract extension. The 24-year old Kulemin had 36 points (mostly from playing on the “Top Line” of Phil Kessel and Tyler Bozak ), and led the Leaf forwards hits (136) and blocked shots (41). It’s thought that Kulemin is looking for $3.5 million, the Leafs are more in the $2.5 million range. “Nikolai would like to stay in Toronto. But right now it’s between me and the general manager,” said Greenstin . “He’s the best two-way player right now in Maple Leafs organization. He definitely is a top-6 forward. He has a great attitude and he is leading team in blocking shots and hits.” Though an offer sheet is possible, I don’t see anyone offering $3.5 million. Offer Sheet Compensation for 2010 Restricted Free Agents.
Rich Hofmann of the Philadelphia Daily News: Broken record in Philly, though they made the finals, they need to improve their goaltending this off-season. Leighton was pulled twice in six final games, and let in the winning on a weak wrister from the dot. Hofmann thinks that only Richards, Giroux and Pronger would be untouchable, and use their other assets to get a goalie.
Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: A reader asks Molinari if the Penguins will bring back Bill Guerin. Molinari doesn’t really answer the question, but points out the lack of scoring depth in this year’s free agent market (lame Top-25 list), and that a deal for Guerin would be short term, it might be a possibility. Another reader asks about Eric Tangradi, who Molinari says will be given every opportunity to make the club in training camp.
Michael Russo of the Star Tribune: Minnesota Wild forward Pierre-Marc Bouchard has been given the go ahead to start light workouts. Bouchard still feels some symptoms from a concussion, and puts himself at about 85%, but hopes to be ready for training camp.
