Eric Duhatschek of the Globe and Mail: Duhatschek thinks it’s just a matter of time before Sheldon Souray is traded by the Edmonton Oilers, with the Columbus Blue Jackets making perfect sense as a trade partner. The Jackets need a power-play quarterback, Scott Howsen came from Edmonton, and they have overpaid Mike Commodore on the books. The Jackets would be taking a risk as Souray has had health issues, and that Columbus may not be a team that he’d prefer to go to. Howsen would have to also consider how Souray would fit in their locker room.
Stephen Harris of the Boston Herald: Contract extension talks between the Boston Bruins, Zdeno Chara and Patrice Bergeron are progressing well. Both Chara and Bergeron will be free agents after the season. Click here to list of other potential 2011 UFAs. Talks began in the summer, but hard numbers were put on the table recently. There is the possibility of one or both inking new contracts before the first game of the season. No offers/demands are known but it’s possible that they take less than they are currently getting or for no raise. Chara cap hit is $7.5 million, and Bergeron is making $5.75 million ($4.75 million cap hit) this year. A 3-4 year deal for Chara at about $6 million could be right for him. A similar deal to Bergeron’s old one could be possible.
Vicki Hall of the Calgary Herald: Calgary Flames center Matt Stajan will be out for an undetermined amount of time with a shoulder injury. Stajan suffered the injury reaching for the puck in the first period. Stajan was penciled in as the teams 2nd line center between Niklas Hagman and Rene Bourque. More will be known on the injury when he visits doctors back in Calgary.
Rich Hammond of the LA Kings Insider: There were some preliminary talks between the LA Kings and Drew Doughty this summer, but nothing is imminent. Doughty has said he wants to remain a King and that there is no rush to get a deal done. The expiring CBA in 2012 is giving teams concern about signing long-term big deals as the salary cap landscape could change. Doughty. Jack Johnson, Wayne Simmonds, and Jonathan Bernier will be RFA’s this year.
