Katie Carrera of the Washington Post: Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom is still day-to-day with a fractured thumb. He was on the ice taking shots yesterday, testing it out, no timetable is set. Semyon Varlamov, out with knee issues, is ready to start taking part in full practices, but won’t be ready to start for at least a week.
Chris Botta of NYI Point Blank: Islanders goalie Rick DiPietro could travel with the team this week, and possibly get some starts in the next 2 weeks.
Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Injured Avalanche forward Tomas Fleischmann is a UFA at seasons end, and they’d proably like to keep him, though he may test the market. Many Avs fans may be hoping for a Tomas Vokoun free agent signing, but Dater would prefer Ilya Bryzgalov. (Complete list of UFA’s)
Elliotte Friedman of CBC Sports: Denis Grebeshkov is playing in the KHL this year, but would the Oilers be interested in bringing him back? They have the cap room next season and could use a defenseman. It’s possible that Telus could be bidder in sale of the Maple Leafs.
