Rumors II: Predators, Senators and Flyers
  • Adam Vingan of the Tennessean: The Predators have 11 restricted and unrestricted free agents, with Mike Fisher being a priority.

    “Mike Fisher, we would love to have him back,” Poile said. “He represents so much to our team, both on and off the ice. … He’s a real leader. I truly feel that the best place for Mike is here in Nashville. As long as I’m the manager, he can play as long as he wants.”

    The Preds and Fisher’s reps spoke throughout the season, but as of Monday, they haven’t spoken since the Predators were eliminated from the playoffs. They are expected to start talking again this week.

    “That’s the hope, for sure,” Fisher said recently when asked about re-signing. “I love, obviously, this city and being here, part of this group. It’s something that will have to be worked out here in the next little bit, but I’m pretty confident that something will get done and that I’ll be back.”

  • Wayne Scanlan of the Ottawa Citizen: The Senators have contract each of their restricted and unrestricted free agents. RFAs: Mark Stone, Mika Zibanejad, Mike Hoffman, Jean-Gabriel Pageau and Alex Chiasson. UFAs: Erik Condra and Andrew Hammond. GM Bryan Murray has said he’d like to acquire a top-six forward in a trade or through free agency. He’ll also be looking to move a veteran player or two.
  • Greg Paone of CSN Philly: The Flyers have already re-signed some of their free agents, and already have $64 million committed for next season. A look at some of the Flyers pending free agents.Unrestricted Free Agents
    Carlo Colaiacovo – there won’t be any openings for Colaiacovo.
    Ray Emery – former coach Craig Berube lost faith in Emery as the season went on. Unlikely that Emery will be back.
    Chris VandeVelde – good depth and penalty killer. He should be back next season.
    Ryan White – he played too well for the Flyers at the end of the season to not bring him back.
    Rob Zepp – guessing that the 33-year old will be brought back, and will backup Steve Mason.

    Restricted Free Agents
    Michael Del Zotto – may have been their best defenseman last season. He’ll be re-signed.