Afternoon notes: Devils, Tambellini, Luongo, Panthers, Flames, Parise, Knuble and Red Wings
  • Dan Rosen via twitter: Petr Sykora and Henrik Tallinder will be back in the Devils lineup tonight. Josefson and Harrold are out.
  • Tony Gallagher of the Vancouver Province: With Tomas Vokoun signing with the Penguins, and Tim Thomas taking a year off, the value from trading Roberto Luongo may have increased. The Maple Leafs had some interest in Vokoun and may now look more seriously at Luongo. The Canucks may have to take some salary back. There has been talk of Columbus being interested, but it’s not likely that he’d waive his no-trade clause to go there.
  • Roger Millions via twitter: Some with SportsNet believe that Eric Veilleux is still in the mix for a Flames coaching position. He and Hartley are still close.
  • Tom Gulitti via twitter: Devils Zach Parise on Adam Oates getting a head coaching position: “I think he’d do great, but, hopefully, that’s not the case. Hopefully, he sticks around here.” … Sure doesn’t sound like someone planning to play for another organization next season.
  • Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News: The Red Wings have been evaluating their roster, free agents and possible trade targets:

    “A lot can happen before June 30 (the day before free agency begins on July 1),” Holland said. “We’ve had discussions on a lot of players who could be available.”

    The Wings may be looking for a backup goalie as there have been some health concerns for Joey MacDonald (partially herniated disc). Patrick Eaves should be recovered from his concussion by training camp. GM Ken Holland will meet with Brad Stuart’s agent at the draft.

  • Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: The Red Wings could be aggressive this offseason, but beyond Zach Parise and Ryan Suter, there is a dropoff. Teams like the Sharks, Canucks, Penguins, Bruins, Blackhawks and Predators could also be looking to make changes, making it a crowded market. Rick Nash wants out but he would cost 4 or 5 assets. The Wings brain trust will meet again shortly.

    “It was a good start,” Holland said. “We talked about a lot of players, including our own in Grand Rapids, and where some of those guys fit in. We talked about some players that we’ve heard might be available, through the rumor mill, and we looked at teams that might have cap issues.”