Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: The Dallas Stars had talks with the agents for James Neal and Matt Niskanen on Tuesday. The team hopes to have them signed before the start of camp.
Craig Custance of the Sporting News: Washington Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau expects Tomas Fleischmann to have a breakout season with the team. “Oh yeah. Those trade rumors, I think you can faithfully put all of them to bed,” Boudreau told Sporting News. “We laugh at so many of them that have no substance. I don’t know who makes them up. Some people have very vivid imaginations.”
Jesse Spector of the NY Daily News: There has been lots of ‘chatter’ between the Rangers and Marc Staal side, but there’s no word on a forthcoming deal.
Eric Francis of the Calgary Sun: Calgary Flames defenseman Robyn Regehr has been linked to trade rumors this summer, and didn’t deny it. “Have I been approached about (a trade)?” repeated Regehr yesterday during a suddenly awkward exchange. “Ahhhhh, I can’t really … I’m not going to get into that. “It’s part of sports. That’s the way it is.” The Flames are over the salary cap, and Regehr’s $4 million salary (3 more years) could be one salary they might move out.
Tom Gulitti of the Bergon Record: Mike Mottau’s agent thinks the UFA will have a contract by the start of training camp. They don’t have any offers they are considering, but have been in touch with teams over the summer. It’s still possible that Mottau could return to the Devils, once they clear out a bunch of cap space. Jay Pandolfo is still looking for a contract, and has talked to a few teams according to his agent.
Fan 590 Audio: Brian Burke talks with Bob McCown on Prime Time Sports about the Kovalchuk contract and the Michael Liambas rookie camp invite.
Stephen Harris of the Boston Herald: The Boston Bruins have an agreement with JYP Jyvaskyla of the Finnish Elite League, in which the teams an loan players to each other. Will the Bruins bury a contact in Europe to reduce their cap number?
Andy Strickland via twitter: Bill Guerin is still skating with some Flyers, and is still hopeful something can be worked out with the team.
Tom Gulitti via twitter: Marcus Nilson has reportedly been invited to the New Jersey Devils training camp.
Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: The Detroit Red Wings have placed defenseman Derek Meech on waivers. The 26-year old Meech has played 126 games in the last 4 years.
Sherri Zickefoose of the Calgary Herald: Former NHLer Jason Smith has been arrested for domestic assault. Smith is being charged with two counts of assault and one count of unlawful confinement against his wife and teenaged daughter.
