Craig Custance of the Sporting News: Negotiations continue between the Columbus Blue Jackets and goalie Steve Mason on a contract extension. “We’ve had some fair, reasonable and good discussions with Columbus,” Mason’s agent Anton Thun told Sporting News. “It’s going to come down to Steve making a decision as to how he sees what his upside will be at the end of the year as opposed to locking in dollars now.” The 22 year old struggled last season with a 20-26-9 record, .901 SV% and 3.06 GAA. They are looking to get a deal done before the start of training camp.
Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Without having new ownership in place, the Dallas Stars can’t start serious negotiations with Brad Richards, who’ll be a UFA at season end. There is the possibility that he might get dealt before the trade deadline. Kari Lehtonen could start between 55-60 games this season.
Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: The New Jersey Devils are just one team that needs to shed some salary. The Canucks need to clear out about $3.6 million, and the Bruins are around $3 million. Simmons gives Dustin Byfuglien 10 games on the Thrashers blueline before he’s moved to forward.
Helene Elliot via twitter: Brayden Schenn’s will have his knee evaluated every day, he didn’t skate yesterday, but it’s getting better each day.
Jason Spector of the NY Daily Post: Former Leafs and Thrasher defenseman, Garnet Exelby, will be at the New York Rangers camp on a tryout basis. Alexei Semenov is also getting a tryout with the Rangers.
Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Management and coach Cory Clouston have all met with Jason Spezza to clear the air after Spezza’s early summer remarks that he’d be fine with a trade out of Ottawa. Everything is fine between them.
