Jason Botchford of the Vancouver Pronvince: Willie Mitchell has made it through 4 physicals symptom free. The front runners are the Canucks, Sharks, Kings, and Capitals. Mitchell is expected to make a decision in the next week. The Kings are able to offer more than the Canucks, who are hoping he’ll give them a hometown discount. Even if the Canucks were able to re-sign him, they would still have to make some moves, possibly moving out Andrew Alberts and/or Kevin Bieksa.
Katie Carrera of the Washington Post: Mitchell met with the Capitals yesterday. Mitchell’s agent, Mike Luit, said there isn’t an established timeline for his client to make a decision. He’s been symptom free during workouts, is behind on his conditioning, but in 5-6 weeks he’ll be back to normal.
Nick Kypreos via twitter: Mitchell may receive up to 4 offers as early as today (Caps, Sharks, Kings, Canucks), and don’t be surprised if someone gives him a long term deal.
Curtis Zupke of the OC Register: Mitchell may be out of the Anaheim Ducks price range, especially since they still have to sign RFA Bobby Ryan.
Jimmy Murphy via twitter: The Bruins might be interested in Kevin Bieksa. Murphy isn’t sure what the Canucks would want, but they once had interest in Michael Ryder when he was a UFA.
Jimmy Murphy via twitter: The Kovalchuk ruling probably won’t have any effect on a contract extension for Patrice Bergeron since he’s only 25. Bergeron’s next contract “won’t be his last“.
James (Jimmy) Murphy of ESPNBoston: There is nothing new to report on the Zdeno Chara and Patrice Bergeron contract extensions. There is also nothing new involving Marc Savard.
Helen St. James of the Detroit Free Press: Backup goalie, Chris Osgood needs to have a bounce back season after 2 sub-par seasons. Osgood will be 38 in November, and is the in the last year of his contract. It’s assumed he’d like to comeback next year, but he’ll have to prove to the team he’s still capable.
