NHL Rumors: Selanne, Staal, Some 2015 UFA Defensemen and Boyle
  • Janne Virtanen: There will be a news conference today with Teemu Selanne and Jokerit today. Szymon Szemberg: Press conference can be watched here11:00 am ET. There were rumors a few days ago that they offered him $10 million for the season, or $5 million for just home games.
  • Andrew Gross of the Record: Rangers defenseman Marc Staal will be a UFA at the end of the season, coming off a five-year, $19.875 million deal. A starting point for a contract could be Dan Girardi and his six-year deal worth $33 million, a $5.5 million salary cap hit. Staal is three-years younger than Girardi. Other potential UFAs for next year could include: Christian Ehrhoff, Johnny Boychuk, Johnny Oduya, Marc Methot, Alec Martinez and Mike Green. If Staal hits the open, could he get $6 million or $6.5 million?
  • Steve Zipay of Newsday: Despite the Islanders trading for his rights, Dan Boyle decided to test the free agent market on July 1st.

    “The Islanders came out of the blue; I had no say. Not to sound cocky, but I had plenty of options,” the Ottawa native said last week. “Growing up as a Canadian kid, you’d like to play for an Original Six team; never had a chance. So I’m anxious to get there.”