Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Brad Richards skated on his own yesterday in Dallas, and could practice with the team on Wednesday at the morning skate. Nicklas Grossman is still out with a hip injury, but is skating.
Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The Oilers currently have $32 million committed to 14 players next year, leaving around $27 million for 11 more players. They still need to re-sign Andrew Cogliano and Ladislav Smid, but will still have lots of room for other free agents. They won’t go after high end free agents like Brad Richards but could look at the 2nd tier group, the Scottie Upshall type. They could be looking for a 2-way defenseman. They won’t spend to the cap ceiling, likely closer to the middle.
Mike Zeisberger of the Toronto Sun: John Tavares has heard rumors that he wants out of the Island, but that may not be the case. “I was aware of (the talk) and, a lot of times, I just ignore that stuff,” …“Obviously, when you are losing, it’s not easy,” Tavares said. “It’s a tough thing to go through. But that doesn’t mean I don’t love it here and don’t want to play here. “I love being a New York Islander.”
Josh Yole of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Penguins forward Aaron Asham has been symptom free from a concussion he sustained on Feb. 1st. He skated before practice yesterday, and may be able to return later this month. Brooks Orpik will be out another 2 weeks. Eric Godard is eligible to return after serving his 10 game suspension.
David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: Sharks defenseman Dan Boyle won’t be in the lineup tonight. Jason Demers had been taking Boyle’s spot on the power play, but Ian White was practicing with the unit yesterday. Devin Setoguchi was on the 1st PP unit with Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau. Dany Heatley skated with Logan Couture and Ryane Clowe on the 2nd PP unit.
Stephen Harris of the Boston Herald: Bruins defenseman Steven Kamfer sustained a minor concussion last week, they hoped that he’ll only miss a week, but it’s likely to be more than that. In 2008, Kamfer was attached by a Michigan Wolverine running back and suffered a suffered a cracked skull, concussion and broken vertebrae. 3 months later he was knocked out by a punch from behind, then cross checked twice in the neck. Andrew Ference might be able to starting skating today or tomorrow.
Edmonton Journal: Devan Dubnyk will start in net for the Oilers tonight, and Nikolai Khabibulin will likely get the start on Wedmesday.
