Free Agent notes on Gaustad, Gill, Tootoo, Hasek, Helenius, Karlsson, Kuba, Jackman and Zuccarello
  • Josh Cooper of the Tennessean: Predators GM David Poile confirmed that Hal Gill played the Western Conference semifinal with a fractured tibia that will need surgery. Alexander Radulov had a meniscus issue in his knee that will require surgery. On their free agents:

    “I reached out to Paul Gaustad’s agent and Hal Gill’s agent, so I’m making the calls. In terms of a more complete answer next week would probably be more of a trying to set up meetings if it’s appropriate.”

    “There’s lots of situations we have to look at. Again, on defense, a lot depends on what Ryan Suter does or doesn’t do in relation to (Jack) Hillen, (Francis) Bouillon and all those types of situations.”

    “I haven’t had a chance to talk to Jordin (Tootoo’s) agent yet. I touched base with Don Meehan once on Sergei (Kostitsyn) but haven’t gotten into anything with him yet.”

  • Damian Cristodero of the Tampa Bay Tribune: There is no chance that Dominic Hasek will play for the Lightning next season if he decides to return to the NHL. The Lightning may only offer Riku Helenius a two-way offer if he wants to return to the NHL. GM Steve Yzerman said they do have an interest in bring him back to North America.
  • Bruce Garrioch via twitter: There have been no formal talks between the Senators and Erik Karlsson, Filip Kuba or Matt Carkner yet.
  • Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post Dispatch: The Blues and defenseman Barrett Jackman met after their 2nd round loss, and plan to meet again at some point.

    “He’s a St. Louis Blue, he’s been a St. Louis Blue, this is all he knows. He’s a big part of our team. But again, this isn’t just a one-sided decision. You play a long time to get the right to see what you’re worth ……With a guy like Jacks, he has half the cards.”

    Jackman had a $3.6 million cap hit and may consider a hometown discount.

  • Katie Stang of ESPN New York: Rangers Mats Zuccarello is still deciding on what he wants to do next year. He doesn’t want to be on a 2-way contract going up and down between the AHL and NHL. He has agreed in principle to a deal with Metallurg of the KHL, though playing in the NHL is his top priority.

    “I have some opportunities. I haven’t really decided yet, but it will come soon. I’m not going to lie, there is some part of me that wants to go, but at the same time this is where I want to be,” Zuccarello said.

    “I want to be a New York Ranger. I love the players, all the guys here. The fans are unbelievable and I just love playing in New York with the team. This is where I want to be, don’t get me wrong, but I have to think about what’s best for me.”