Staal’s return delayed … Ducks looking for D depth … Bergfors-Thrashers not close … Pens not talking to Kariya or Svatos
  • Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Penguins center Jordan Staal has “experienced a couple of setbacks” from the torn tendon is his foot. They will take it easy with him and there is no need for concern if he misses a couple days or weeks.
  • Eric Stephens of the OC Register: The Anaheim Ducks are looking to add some ‘low cost depth options’ on the point, but it’s possible they enter camp with what they have. The Ducks have considered trading for Kevin Bieksa, but the Canucks aren’t in a rush to move him any more.
  • Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Jiri Lehtinen isn’t ready to make a decision yet if he’ll return to the Stars or retire. Mike Ribeiro’s no-trade clause stipulates that he can name 10 that he doesn’t want to be traded to (that doesn’t sound like much of a ‘no-trade’ clause to me if you name teams you don’t want to be traded to).  The Stars want to sign RFA James Neal to a 2 year deal, Neal is fine with a 1 or 2 year deal.
  • Dave Stubbs of Habs Inside/Out: The Canadiens have yet to talk to Andre Markov about a contract extension. Markov is a UFA after the season, GM Pierre Gauthier told Markov’s agent “(Gauthier) wants to wait until the right time”.
  • Eric Engels via twitter: Engels thinks the Canadiens would be foolish if they weren’t interested in Bill Guerin.
  • Chris Vivlamore via twitter: Thrashers GM Rick Dudley says that they remain ways apart with RFA Niclas Bergfors, not close on “value of player.”
  • The Hockey Writers: Marek Svatos’ agent Richard Evans, “Marek would certainly be able to provide offence for a team like Pittsburgh,” Evans told THW Tuesday.  “Pittsburgh is a team that Marek would be very interested in joining…on paper it looks like a good fit — but ultimately that is up to Ray .”