Posts Tagged Brett Connolly

NHLPA rejects realignment … No big changes in Buffalo are imminent … Stars could deal Grossman … Roy injured … Huselius to IR

Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 7th, 2012

  • Darren Dreger via twitter: The NHLPA rejects realignment for next season, the jets will stay in the Southeast. Bruce Garrioch via twitter: The Players are not a fan of one conference have 14 teams and the other 16, a better chance of playoffs for the one conference. Darren Dreger via twitter: Dreger warns us to get ready for a brawl between the NHL and NHLPA in the upcoming months. Pierre LeBrun via twitter: The NHL could file a grievance against the NHLPA if they feel they can prove the union unreasonably withheld consent.
  • Craig Custance of ESPN: There will be plenty of teams calling about Ducks Bobby Ryan, who is the most likely of the ‘big 3′ to get dealt. The Red Wings, Maple Leafs and Sabres are expected to busy on the trade front, but pretty much every team would be intereted.
  • John Vogl of the Buffalo News: Sabres GM Darcy Regier said after their 7 loss in 9 games that no big changes are imminent.

    “At this time of the year and where we are, I’ve done a lot of talking to teams around the league, so I’m aware of some of those situations,” Regier said. “Right now there’s nothing imminent, and that’s part of the business. We’ll keep working.”

    “I wouldn’t call it a shake-up,” Regier said. “If there’s a move that makes sense for us, we’ll do it if something is going to improve our hockey club. There’s nothing imminent, as I said, right now.”

    “Without specific rumors, there’s truth to those rumors,” Regier said. “But the price right now, and I think things will build between now and the trade deadline. I think teams that are going to be sellers are going to try and maximize what they can get for what they are selling. I think that will build as we get closer to the trade deadline.”

  • Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Mailbag: The Stars have a decision to make with Nicklas Grossman. If they don’t sign him to an extension before the trade deadline, they could trade him for an offensive player.
  • John Vogl via twitter: Sabres center Derek Roy suffered an upper-body injury and left last night’s game.
  • Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune: Lightning forwards Adam Hall and JT Wyman suffered upper-body injuries on Thursday. Brett Connolly is returning to the team. Ryan Malone has missed 2 games with a lower-body injury is day-to-day but seems ready. With the addition of Brendan Mikkelson, the Lightning have sent Evan Oberg to the AHL.
  • Blue Jackets via twitter: Blue Jackets forward Kristian Huselius has been placed on the IR. He’s week to week with a lower body injury.

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Crosby update and rumors … Burke like January trades … Lightning, Ducks, Blackhawks rumors … Leafs injury updates … Starting goalies

Posted by Mark Easson in Fantasy Hockey News, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors, NHL Starting Goalies on January 6th, 2012

  • Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: On Sidney Crosby rumors that his season or career could be over.

    “Sidney is doing very well, he’s training, he’s going in the right direction,” agent Pat Brisson of CAA Sports told ESPN.com Friday. “The idea of retiring or shutting him down is not even in our vocabulary. Far from that.”

    “Absolutely zero truth to these rumors,” added Penguins general manager Ray Shero to ESPN.com on Friday.

    Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke tries to make a trade splash in January, well in advance of the trade deadline.

    “We are listening to a lot right now and there is a good chance something will happen but I don’t think it’s going to happen today or tomorrow,” Burke said. “This is like hunting. Sometimes when you’re hunting, you get a feeling you’re going to stumble on something, or birds are coming in and you get a sixth sense something is about to happen. I don’t sense that here right now. We’re talking to a lot of teams about a number of things — mostly we’re listening because we like our group — but I can’t sense if something is imminent or not. Right now I’d say it’s not.”

    Burke would like to add some size upfront, and they are not talking to anyone right now about adding a goaltender.

    Lightning GM Steve Yzerman may have to wait until the offseason to get a young starting goalie and a top 4 defenseman.

    “I think I look at both, short-term and big picture,” Yzerman said. “I’m not going to do something out of desperation that’s going to hurt us in the long run, by trading draft picks and a good prospect or something like that. Any deal has got to make sense for us long term. So that makes it tricky.”

    Ducks GM Bob Murray:

    “What I said is what I said, right now I’m listening to everything,” Murray told ESPN.com. “It would be very difficult to make the type of deals I want, but I’m listening for sure. I still think we have a decent core here, but we’re maybe going to have to change a piece or two.”

    “But sometimes blockbusters happen at the trade deadline, you never know,” Murray said.

    Blackhawks GM Stean Bowman has been looking for a deal for awhile. He’d like to acquire a 4-5 defenseman and a center that could play in the top 6.

    “Ideally, I’d like to find a center man,” Bowman said. “It doesn’t have to be a top center man, but somebody that can play and complement top players.”

  • Nick Kypreos of Sportsnet.ca: Kypreos thinks that Sidney Crosby’s season is over based on his long-term health and the potential of a new contract. Crosby has one more year on his deal and can begin negotiations on July 1st. Crosby’s career could be in jeopardy with another concussion, and the next contract won’t come with an insurance policy that covers the Penguins from a career ending concussion. If Crosby is a “Penguin for Life,” the Penguins would be on the hook for the full amount, which could be as much as 10 years, $100 million.
  • David Pagnotta via twitter: According to someone close to the Penguins, Sidney Crosby is doing better and is training. His goal is to back this season, though the timeline is still unclear.
  • Josh Yohe via twitter: Penguins winger Pascal Dupuis will be playing tonight. Paul Martin is in. Arron Asham is out. Zbynek Michalek and Richard Park are ‘iffy.’
  • Chris Botta talks with Darren Dreger about the current trade market.

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Nash talks his no-movement … Possible Wing trade targets … Yzerman watches Wild … ‘Hawks wants … Quick’s contract key for future Bernier deal

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on January 5th, 2012

  • Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: Blue Jackets forward Rick Nash was asked a hypothetical question about waiving his no-movement clause:

    “That’s a tough question to answer in a situation like this,” Nash said. “I love Columbus. I love being here. I love being a Blue Jacket.

    “The city of Columbus deserves a winner and deserves a good product on the ice. If it comes to that — like you said, all speculation — but if they don’t want me here, they want to move me? I’m not going to do something where it’s going to hurt the franchise just because I have that in my contract.”

  • Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News: The Red Wings have some salary cap room to make a move at the trade deadline. They could be interested in forwards like Tuomo Ruutu or Ales Hemsky, a defenseman like Bryan Allen or a backup goalie like Evgeni Nabokov. Ty Conklin has struggled in a limited backup role, 1-4-0 with a 3.23 GAA and .889 SV%.
  • Michael Russo of the Star-Tribune: Lightning GM Steve Yzerman took in a Wild game in which Josh Harding started. The Lightning could be after a goalie, but could also use some help along the blueline. The Wild are carrying 9 defensemen.
  • Dennis Bernstein via twitter: Bernstein responds to my question if the Kings and Jonathan Quick have talked contract extension yet (UFA after next season) saying that there is no reason from Quick’s side just yet, the summer at the earliest. Bernstein has noted several times that the Kings may not move Bernier until they have a better handle on Quick’s long term future. In any Bernier deal, the Kings would have to get a dependable backup in return. A Quick contract leverages everything.
  • The Fourth Period: The Blackhawks haven’t hidden the fact that they’d like to add another defenseman and top 6 forward. They’d like either a power forward to play with Patrick Kane or a 2nd line center.
  • Darren Dreger via twitter: Rangers coach John Tortorella was fined $30,000 for his comments regarding officiating at the Winter Classic.
  • Erik Erlendsson via twitter: Lightning GM Steve Yzerman said there is no truth to the rumor that he’s pulling Brett Connolly from Canada’s bronze medal game.

 

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Rogers and BCE to buy 80% of MLSE … Kane in contract year … 2 loaned to Team Canada for WJC … Greene out 4 weeks

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News on December 9th, 2011

  • Grant Robertson and Tara Perkins of the Globe and Mail: Rogers Communications and BCE are closing in a deal to by the 80% stock in MLSE from the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan for $1.33 billion. Larry Tanenbaum supports the deal, which is necessary as he has the right to refuse any offer.
    • Update: Rogers is buying 37.5% for approx. $533 million. BCE is buying 37.5% for approx. $533 million. Larry Tanenbaum is buying an additional 5%, bringing him up to 25%.
  • Ken Wiebe of the Winnipeg Sun: Jets forward Evander Kane is on roll, scoring 9 goals in his last 10 games (14 total in 26 games). He’s also in a contract year.

    “In the back of your mind, you’re aware of those things and you have to be aware of what your situation is personally,” said Kane. “I know this is my last year (of his current) contract and you want to have a big year and show what you can do at this level and prove your worth.”

  • Ed Tait of the Winnipeg Free Press: Nik Antropov could be back in the Jets lineup tonight after missing the last 3 games. He’ll see how he feels at the morning skate. Chris Mason will start in net for the Jets against the Hurricanes.
  • Neate Sager via twitter: The Ducks will loan Devante Smith-Pelly, and the Lightning will loan Brett Connolly to Team Canada for the World Junior Championships.
  • Bob McKenzie via twitter: Tyler Seguin, Jeff Skinner, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Ryan Johansen and Sean Couturier will not be released by their teams for the World Juniors.
  • Andy Strickland via twitter: The Panthers are worried that if they loan Erik Gudbranson to Team Canada they won’t have a replacement in the AHL if one of their Dmen suffers an injury.
  • Helene St. James via twitter: Red Wings Pavel Datsyuk was pulled from last night’s game as a precaution, and coach Mike Babcock doesn’t expect him to miss any games.

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Flames rumors … CBJ issues … GMs may look for mandatory visors … Doughty this week is possible … Connolly stays … Whitney injured again

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on October 26th, 2011

  • Eric Francis of the Calgary Sun: Francis laughs at the rumor that Daniel Alfredsson could interest the Flames at some point. The Flames do have an interest in Coyotes holdout Kyle Turris. A source close to the situation has said that the Flames are one of six teams to make a ‘significant’ offer. Coyotes GM Don Maloney is still saying he doesn’t have plans to trade him. Rene Bourque is also front and center in trade rumors lately. Flames GM Jay Feaster continues to tell other GMs that Mark Giordano is not available. Francis doesn’t see the Flames trading Jarome Iginla. Ollie Jokinen wants to re-sign with the Flames. Tim Jackman and Tom Kostopoulos are UFAs and could draw minor interest at some point. David Moss won’t be traded unless he wants out. They would love to move Matt Stajan and his $3.5 million salary in a package, but it’s unlikely that there is anyone else on their roster to draw that much interest.
  • Ken Warren of the Ottawa Citizen: The Blue Jackets are having issues on and off the ice. There are reports that they are losing $25 million a season, and there is talk about the long-term survival of the franchise. Their last few home games have only drawn 9,000 fans.
  • James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail: Two high profile GMs have said they’d like to see more players starting next season.

    “Visors should be mandatory for all defencemen, at the least,” Burke said, adding that blueliners are at “a far greater risk” of being hit in the face by a puck because of all the deflections in front of the net.

    “I’d want to hear the GMs out on the larger topic [of everyone having to wear them], but I think I would support Homer.”

  • Ken Wiebe of the Winnipeg Sun: The Jets won’t be pulling off any blockbuster deals because the team is off to a slow start. They may pull off some smaller deals along the way, but finding a trade partner who isn’t trying to fleece is hard to find. Most teams aren’t looking to get rid of 30 goal scorers and many teams would like to upgrade their blueline.
  • Rich Hammond of LA Kings Insider: Kings defenseman Drew Doughty was wearing a no-contact jersey again at practice yesterday. When asked yesterday when Doughty will see the doctor next, Murray said, “The opportunity will probably be tonight, to see the doctor at the rink. We plan on taking him with us on the road trip, kind of shooting for the end of the week here as a possibility.”
  • Erik Erlendsson via twitter: Lightning GM Steve Yzerman confirmed that they will be keeping Brett Connolly and won’t be sending him back to junior.
  • Shaun Starr via twitter: Canadiens Max Pacioretty has a partially torn ligament in his wrist. Starr has been told surgery is unlikely. Renaud Lavoie via twitter: It’s a partial tear, no breaks, deep bruise. He could be back in the lineup this week.
  • Dan Tencer via twitter: Oilers coach Tom Renny says that Ryan Whitney has a sprained knee but it’s not significant. A few days and he should be fine.
  • Michael Russo of the Star Tribune: Wild forward Guilaume Latendresse is bothered by a wonky groin again, and look for the Wild to be cautious with him. Dany Heatley and Greg Zanon are also bothered by groin issues. Brett Bulmer will play in his 9th game on Thursday and likely won’t be returned to junior.
  • Luke DeCock via twitter: Scouts in Carolina last night were the Blue Jackets, Flyers and Penguins. The Canes play the Flyers and Pens in the next 3 weeks. They don’t play the Blue Jackets.

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Decision time coming for Brett Connolly, Mika Zibanejad, Sean Couturier and Erik Gudbranson’s playing future

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on October 25th, 2011

  • Erik Erlendsson of hte Tampa Tribune: Lightning’s 2010 1st round pick Brett Connolly will play in his 9th game tonight. The Lightning will have to decide whether to send him back to junior or burn a year of his 3 year entry level deal. He could still be assigned to junior after his 10th game, but his contract will have kicked in. Connolly has 2 assists and is a +4 with 17 shots in 8 games.

    “Every day we pile on the pluses and the minuses concerning his future and concerning our future and there has to be somewhere in there, something that tells us that both can be combined for this year for us to keep him,” Lightning coach Guy Boucher said. “Up to now he has shown us enough stuff that he can play with the better offensive players on our team.”

    “The two biggest factors are, first, what is best for Brett Connolly long term and his development,” Yzerman said. “Number two is, what is the right thing to do for our team this year, and they kind of go hand-in-hand. And as I’ve said before, if he is a contributor on our team, he makes us better and it’s best for his career and his development, then we’ll keep him.”

  • Allen Panzeri of hte Ottawa Citizen: Senators forward Mika Zibanejad will play in his 9th game tonight, so the Sens will have to make a decision on his playing future. If he doesn’t stick with the Senators, he’ll be sent back to Sweden for the year. GM Bryan Murray expects to make a decision by the weekend.

    “I think out of the eight games so far, I would have to say four (have been) pretty good,” said Murray. “The other night, he looked like he was really uptight.”

    “(Coach) Paul (MacLean) loves him in his own end. He thinks he defensively does a good job. But with the puck he hasn’t done as much as we suspect he will in the future.”

  • Tim Panaccio of the CSN Philly: A club source has said that Flyers 2011 1st round pick Sean Couturier won’t be going back to junior. A definite decision will have to be made after Thursday’s game against the Jets. Heading into last night’s game he has 2 goals and 2 assists.

    “There is no reason to,” the source said. “He can learn just as easily here on the job.”

  • Dustin Leed via twitter: Leed wonders if the Flyers will look at this? If Courturier remains with the club, his ELC will end in 2014-15. The contracts of Giroux, Schenn, Read and Meszaros will also end in 2014-15.
  • George Richards via twitter: Panthers defenseman Erik Gudbranson has played in 8 games so far, and Richards doesn’t think he’s going anywhere. “Kid’s been a rock,” says Tallon.

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Sunday notes on Flames, Leafs, Canucks, Blake, Doughty, Connolly, Mueller, Hemsky and McDonald

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Entry Draft, NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Rumors on October 16th, 2011

  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: 2 league sources are saying that the Flames GM Jay Feaster is desperately trying to move contracts off their books. The Flames may be shopping Matt Stajan, Niklas Hagman and David Moss, but it may be tough finding someone wanting those contract. Stajan has 3 years left on his 4 year, $14 million deal. Ollie Jokinen, Hagman and Moss could be deadline rentals. Despite having the 5th highest payroll, Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson could be on the hotseat. A league executive, “There’s actually a lot of teams talking for this time of year. I don’t think you’re going to see anything shake down until the end of the month.” Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke is checking out interest in Carl Gunnarson and Tyler Bozak. The Leafs would like to make room for defenseman Keith Aulie and they don’t plan on sending Jake Gardiner to the minors. Canucks GM Mike Gillis has been working the phones looking to move a defenseman, possibly Keith Ballard, and not goalie. One league executive hasn’t heard Kyle Turris’ name mentioned in trade talks.
  • Eric Stephens of the OC Register: Ducks winger Jason Blake could be out 3 months after suffering a lacerated tendon just above his wrist. He will have surgery on Monday.
  • Helene Elliott of the LA Times: Kings defenseman Drew Doughty will be out 7 to 10 days with an upper-body injury. Kings GM Dean Lombardi said it didn’t involve Doughty’s head.
  • Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune: The Lightning will have to decide soon if they want to burn a contract year with 2010 1st round pick Brentt Connolly. Connolly has played in 5 games so far, they play their 10th game on Oct. 27th.
  • Eric Francis of the Calgary Sun: Hockey Canada president Bob Nicholson would like to see the NHL entry draft switch the drafting age from 18 to 19, “For the most part, 18- and 19-year-old players are not close to being ready for the NHL. If the draft goes back a year, it slows down the process at every level. Right now, everyone is on a treadmill to get there.” Only 6% of 18 year olds play in the NHL the year they are draft.
  • Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Avalanche forward Peter Mueller is listed as day-to-day and is skating, but the Avs have contected a concussion expert who has dealt with Mueller in the past.

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Frolov getting interest from Rangers and Kings … Other Russian FA’s … Tampa Bay Lightning talk

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Videos on July 26th, 2010

  • Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Frolov’s agent has said the Rangers are very interested, and the LA Kings have shown interest in the last couple days.
  • Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: SKA of the KHL are interested in Alexander Frolov, Maxim Afinogenov, Denis Grebeskov and Ilya Kovalchuk according KHL President Medvedev (who owns the team).
  • The Hockey News video: Ryan Dixon, Ryan Kennedy, and Adam Proteau talk about the Tampa Bay Lightning. How Yzerman will fill out the roster, Victor Hedman’s development, Vinny Lecavalier, and Brett Connolly.

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NHL Draft Day Rumors

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Entry Draft, NHL Rumors on June 25th, 2010

  • Erik Erlendsson via Twitter: The Tampa Bay Lightning are getting calls about the 6th overall pick, but Yzerman doesn’t want to move down too far, or maybe not at all.
  • Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer: If one of Gudbranson, Fowler, or Gormley get to the Carolina Hurricanes at #7, they will most likely select them, but GM Rutherford doesn’t think any will be around. If they are forced to select a forward, it could be a centerman, with them possibly eyeing Ryan Johansen or Alex Burmistrov. Winger Brett Connolly could be the wild card if he drops.
  • Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: The Dallas Stars will be going with “drafting the best player available” approach, but if 2 players are close, they’ll go with the defenseman. Some believe they might consider Jack Campbell if he’s available. After the big 3 defenseman that will be gone by the 11th pick, the next group of Dmen are: Derek Forbort, Jon Merril, Dylan McIlrath and Jarred Tinordi. Derek Forbort and Dylan McIlrath are more in the range of the Stars pick than Merril and Tinordi.
  • George Richard of the Miami Herald: The Florida Panthers may be open to trading their 15th overall pick that they acquired from the Boston Bruins in the Nathan Horton trade. The Edmonton Oilers and Pittsburgh Penguins may be interested in it.
  • JP Hoornstra of the LA Daily News: There is the possibility that the LA Kings could send their #19 overall pick to New Jersey for the rights to Ilya Kovalchuk. If they keep the pick, they’ll most likely target a winger.
  • Chris McCosky of the Detroit News: The Red Wings plan on drafting the best player available at #21, but don’t expect a goalie. Holland didn’t rule out moving up or down in the draft.
  • Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News: The Philadelphia Flyers don’t pick until 3rd round, 89th overall. GM Paul Holmgren didn’t rule out trading up to grab a player they feel has dropped, but isn’t actively looking to move up.

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Rumors centered around the NHL Draft

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on June 22nd, 2010

There are plenty of entries of rumors this morning, so we’ve broken them down in to 3 separate entries.

  • Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli has had talks with Oilers GM Steve Tambellini, not about moving up, but sending an asset to the Oilers not to take the player they want. It has been rumored the Bruins target winger Taylor Hall. The Bruins won’t be trading the #2 pick and will select Tyler Seguin if a trade can’t be worked out with the Oilers, and the Oilers select Hall. The Bruins also hold the #15, #32, and #45 and may consider moving up or down in the draft.
  • Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Continuing on with the top 2 picks and a possible trade. The Bruins may have the #15 pick, RFA winger Blake Wheeler, or Mikko Lehtonen (prospect) in play. Chiarelli told Boston reports that they haven’t had moved forward with “that type of discussion”. Edmonton won’t know who’ll they take until they sit down one more time with their scouts.
  • Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: One top draft pick whose stock could be all over the lottery range is Brett Connolly. Arguably the 3rd best forward behind Hall and Seguin, could be drafted in the top 5, or fall down to 15th. Connolly played for the woeful Prince George Raiders of the WHL, but was limited to only 16 games. On 4 different occasions he was forced out of the lineup with hip flexors, at first to the right side, then to the left. All teams have been given his medical reports, and spoke to him about injuries at the scouting combine. MyNHLdraft.com has him going at #5 to the NY Islanders. I don’t see him dropping any further than 10th to the Rangers and I think he’ll be gone before then. Isles at #5, Tampa at #6, Atlanta at #8, and Minnesota at #9 are strong candidates to draft him.
  • Mike Russo of the Star Tribune: Draft options for the Minnesota Wild at #9. LWer Brett Connolly. C/RW Jeff Skinner, RW Nino Niederreiter, C Ryan Johansen, C Alex Burmistrov, C Mikael Granlund.
  • Ken Warren of the Ottawa Citizen: The Ottawa Senators (drafting 16th) are in a similar situation to the St. Louis Blues, depth on the blueline when it comes to prospects/young players. They aren’t against moving up to get a top propect unless it’s reasonable, but without a 2nd round pick it may be difficult. The Sens may also consider moving back in the draft, picking up some extra picks.
  • Jon Lu of TSN (video): The Canadiens may focus on center’s that have size. John MacFarland or Riley Sheahan could be possibilities.

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Salary cap could increase $2 million which would the Penguins and others … James Wisniewski may seek #2 Dman money and/or be traded … NHL Draft Rumors

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Entry Draft, NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on May 29th, 2010

  • Shelly Anderson of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: The Pittsburgh Penguins and the rest of the league received some good news in that according to Gary Bettman, the salary cap could be going up by about $2 million from it’s current $56.8 million. This might make it a bit easier for the Penguins to re-sign Sergei Gonchar and Matt Cooke. GM Ray Shero said that Ruslan Fedotenko won’t be back, and that they are talking to Jay McKee, but they might go a different direction. Bill Gurein wants to play next year, but the Pens have to see if he fits in to their plans. No decision has been made on whether they want to bring Alexei Ponikarovsky back or not.
  • Eric Stephens of the OC Register: The Anaheim Ducks will retain the negotiating rights with James Wisniewski by offering him a qualifying offer before the June 25th cut off date. Wisniewski may be looking for a nice raise on his one-year, $2.75 million deal he signed last year. He was 20th in ice time and may be seeking #2 Dman money. If that is the case, look for the Ducks to continue to try and trade him (at the deadline they were trying to move him). Ducks GM Bob Murray has yet to meet with Saku Koivu or his agent. Murray has talked to the agent of Sheldon Brookbank.
  • Damian Cristodero of the St. Petersburgh Times: They can’t talk contract extension until after July 1st, but Lightning GM Steve Yzerman plans to start conversations with Steven Stamkos. Stamkos agent told the paper he’d “welcome” the discussion.
  • Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette: Canadiens GM Pierre Gauthier said there won’t be a major overhaul of the club. The Canadiens have about 11 million to sign 7 players. They’ll look to trade both Kostitsyn’s but that could be difficult. The 6’5″ Ryan O’Byrne could also be trade bait. Gauthier and Tomas Plekanec’s agent have talked but no offer has been made, and it’s doubtful the Canadiens will overpay for him. He’s rumored to be after $5 million a season. Jaroslav Halak has arbitration rights, and has put up numbers similar to goalies in the $4-5 million range.
  • Gare Joyce of ESPN: The Florida Panthers might be willing to trade down from their #3 draft slot. One Eastern Conference GM said he thinks draft prospect, Jack Campbell, could be a top-10 pick. Kirill Kabanov’s draft stock continues to be surrounded by red flags. One top scout said they won’t interview him, therefore won’t draft him. He met with 17 teams. Brett Connolly who’s draft slot has been in question due battling an injury all season (hip injury), survived the testing and looked good. He’s projected as a top-10 pick, possible a top-5 if further medical tests are good.

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