Free Agent Hits: Voynov, Backstrom, Wild, Weiss and Dupuis
  • Chris Nichols: Slava Voynov’s agent tells R-Sport that he should be re-signing with the Kings “in the very near future.” His agent confirms that there is an offer from Traktor.
  • The Fourth Period: The Minneapolis Star-Tribune is reporting that the Wild and goalie Niklas Backstrom have started contract talks. If they are not able to lock up Backstrom, GM Chuck Fletcher may look at the trade market. On the goalie trade market are: Jonathan Bernier (LA), Jaroslav Halak or Brian Elliott (STL), Jonas Hiller (ANA), Ryan Miller (BUF) and maybe James Reimer (TOR) if they land Roberto Luongo. The Wild have also started contract talks with RFAs Cal Clutterbuck and Jared Spurgeon.
  • Lance Hornby: Elliott Friedman reporting that the Maple Leafs will be wooing Stephen Weiss if the meetings between the Panthers and Weiss breakdown this week.
  • Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: The Penguins are expected to being talks with Pascal Dupuis’ agent, Allan Walsh, next week. The Penguins may want to know if Dupuis plans on testing the open market. He’s coming off a deal where he made $1.5 million in each of the past two seasons. Dupuis is looking for a four-year deal, with the Penguins preferring a three-year deal. If the Penguins offered a three-year deal in the $10.5 million range, he might sign before July 5th.