- Tom Gulitti of the Bergon Record: Devils defenseman Marek Zidlicky sat out the 3rd period last night have taking a hit from Wayne Simmonds. Winger Dainius Zubrus suffered a charley horse after a knee hit from Zac Rinaldo, but was able to finish the game.
- Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: Head of the Russian Hockey Federation, Vladislav Tretiak, said that Alexander Radulov will have knee surgery instead of joining Russia at the World Championships.
- Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: The Predators have $32 million in projected cap space for next season, but have only 12 players under contract. They want to lock Ryan Suter and Shea Weber up long term. They have 9 free agent forwards, and 5 on defense. A comparison for Shea Weber could be Zdeno Chara ($45.5 million over 7 years, just under a $7 million cap hit) or Duncan Keith ($72 million over 13 years, about a $5.5 million cap hit). Suter is going to be looking for something around $7 million, but a long-term deal will likely get a nicer salary cap number. The Red Wings have about $43.5 million for 17 players next year without Nicklas Lidstrom. Even if they bring back Lidstrom around the same $6.2 million, they could still fit in Suter with a deal around $5 million. There is still the possibility that they could still fit Zach Parise in as well.
- John Glennon of the Tennessean: The Predators have 15 free agents and will have a different look next season.
“I suspect by virtue of this business, we’ll have a lot of changes next year, but the thing I believe in and hope that we can retain the most is the foundation that we have,” Poile said. “You look around at some of the players that maybe have unrestricted free agency. (There are) some players that may not want to come back, and we may not want them. But having said that, I hope the core wants to stay here and that we can retain them because we have a core that can compete with anybody.”
Coach Barry Trotz thinks the core will be back.
“I can’t speak for (Suter and Weber),” Trotz said. “Let them talk about that. But I believe we’re in a good position that everybody will be back, absolutely. And I think they believe in the group.”
- Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer: One the top priorities for the Flyers is to try and re-sign Matt Carle and Jaromir Jagr. The Flyers currently have $61.2 million spent already next year, and will gain $4.9 million in cap space if they put Chris Pronger on the LTIR. They have about $56.2 million committed for 2012-13. The Flyers could look to move James van Riemsdyk to free up $4.25 million in cap space. Free agent Ryan Suter is on their radar.
- Dan Rosen via twitter: Canucks Ryan Kesler had shoulder surgery and will be out 6 months. Brad Ziemer via twitter: Kesler will miss the start of next season. He likely won’t be back until November.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: Rumors that Kings Drew Doughty is playing with a significant injury, possibly an ankle injury.
- Chris Kuc of the Chicago Tribune: Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman said he’s committed to coach Joel Quenneville when asked about the coaching situation for next year. Rumors are that the Canadiens are interested in Quenneville.
- Jeff Gordon of the St. Louis Post Dispatch: The Blues must improve from within, as well as bringing in some more skill this offseason. They need an upgrade in scoring. Jaden Schwartz should be groom into being a top 9 next year, and bringing in Vladimir Tarasenko will help. Zach Parise is not likely to be in their plans. Letting Chris Stewart go (RFA) doesn’t make much sense, and his trade value isn’t that high after a poor season. The Blues should stick with Jaroslav Halak and Brian Elliott, and let Jake Allen continue developing in the minors. Ian Cole should replace UFA Carlo Colaiacovo, and Cade Fairchild appears to be NHL ready. Decisions will have to be made on free agents Barret Jackman and Kent Huskins.
