Quick Hits: Realignment, O’Reilly, Entry-level contracts, Benn, Stamkos, Kovalev, McGrattan and Panik
  • Nick Kypreos via twitter: The NHL and NHLPA may soon announce an agreement in principle on realignment for next season. The new realignment agreement may give the players a window to revisit the agreement after the NHL moves on possible relocation and expansion.
  • Adrian Dater via twitter: Avalanche Ryan O’Reilly passed his physical and should be on the ice this morning at 9:00. If he plays Sunday will not be known until later today.
  • CapGeek via twitter: There should be lots of entry-level contracts to be signed in the upcoming weeks. Yesterday was the first day that next season deals can be signed.
  • Bob McKenzie via twitter: Stars Jamie Benn will have a disciplinary hearing today regarding his crosschecking major against the Oilers.
  • NHL.com: Steven Stamkos was named the first star of the month for February. Sidney Crosby was the second star and Ray Emery was the third star.
  • Harvey Fialkov via twitter: Alexei Kovalev will not travel with the team and Dineen said that an announcement is pending. Could be sounding like a buyout. Renaud Lavoie via twitter: It’s over for Kovalev and the Panthers. The Panthers would like him to retire, but he wants to be paid.