Rumors III: Kruger, Oduya, Stars, Baertchi, Grenier, and Kulda
  • Scott Powers of ESPN: Marcus Kruger is still waiting for the Blackhawks to clear some salary cap space. Kruger is looking for a long-term contract extension. The sides have been talking the past few weeks. Kruger understands their cap situation and isn’t in a rush to get a deal done. The Blackhawks have qualified Kruger along with Joakim Nordstrom and Viktor Svedberg.
  • Adrian Dater: Source says that the Blackhawks won’t be bringing Johnny Oduya back.
  • Tracey Myers: Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman on the possibility of Oduya returning: “I’m not going to rule anything out or in. It’s still sort of a fluid situation.”
  • Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Stars Jim Nill after the trade for Patrick Sharp still has the money to add a defenseman in free agency or through trade if he wants.

    “We’re still open to a lot of things,” Nill said.

  • News 1130 Sports: Hearing that Canucks RFA Sven Baertchi won’t be accepting his qualifying offer. Hearing that Baertschi is looking for a one-way contract. Baertchi’s agent is positive a deal will get done soon. The Canucks still retain his rights.
  • News 1130 Sports: The agent for Alexandre Grenier is still negotiating with the Canucks. He has not accepted their qualifying off yet.
  • Dennis Bernstein: The Kings have had multiple chances to sign Cody Franson if they wanted, appears they don’t see him as a fit in their system.
  • Igor Eronko: Arturs Kulda is looking to sign a one-way in the NHL.