Free Agent updates involving Ilya Bryzgalov, Andrei Markov, Clark MacArthur, Andrew Ladd, Jaromir Jagr and Steven Stamkos
  • Nick Kypreos via twitter: Kypreos is hearing that the Flyers and Ilya Bryzgalov have the basis of an agreement done for a long term deal, but it may not be announced till after July 1st. Tagging rule would mean the Flyers would have to clear cap space if he were to sign before July 1st. Kypreos is hearing that Bryzgalov was looking for 7 year and $50 million ($7.14 million cap hit). Elliotte Friedman via twitter: Friedman has also heard the AAV will be around $7 million.
  • Montreal Gazette: Tony Marinaro of Team 990 reported that Andrei Markov and the Montreal Canadiens will soon sign a 2 year deal worth $11.5 million. After the report spread on twitter, Markov’s agent Don Meehan denied that a deal was imminent this week but that it could be done next week.
  • Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: It appears the Clarke MacArthur and the Maple Leafs will head to salary arbitration later this summer. GM Brian Burke in the past  that he won’t break the bank for players who have 1st line roles because the team lacks depth.
  • Ken Wiebe of the Winnipeg Sun: Winnipeg GM Kevin Cheveldayoff will sit down with Andrew Ladd’s reps this week to see if they can reach a long-term deal. Ladd is believed to be looking for a 4-5 year deal worth between $14 and $20 million.

    “I’ve had some discussions with his agent, with respect to lots of different things, they represent a lot of different players in the draft,” said Cheveldayoff. “One thing we talked about is that between them trying to get their draft picks to different interviews and such, we’re going to carve out some time to have some good discussions. We’re going to find a way to spend some meaningful time together.”

  • Darren Dreger via twitter: Jagr playing with Datsyuk is interesting. Would the Red Wings pay $2-3 million for one year? There is lots of talk inside the Red Wings organization.
  • Damian Cristero of the St. Petersburgh Times: StevenStamkos on contract talks,
  • “I think it’s close,” he said of a new deal. “I don’t think it’s far off. As close as we are, it’s not something I’m really worried about.”

    The deal could be worth about $7 million a season.

    “Tampa is a great organization. With the success we had this year, there are only going to be bigger and better things. You want to be part of that. Whatever happens happens, but I have confidence things are going to get done well before (July 1).”

    An offer sheet would cost a team 4 1st round draft picks. There have been rumors that negotiations have hit a “dead patch” and that the Leafs could put in an offer sheet as high as $9 million.

    “You obviously want to get it done as quickly as possible,” Stamkos said, “and with all the questions being asked, it does creep into your head. But for the most part, I have the mentality that it’s going to get done and it will be great for both sides and I’ll be playing for Tampa Bay next year, where I want to be.”