Around the Boards: Savard extension soon, Rangers-Habs talking? Keith odd man out?
  • Kevin Paul Dupont of the Boston Globe: The Bruins and Marc Savard are getting closer on a long term extension, in the $6-6.5 million range for 4 or 5 seasons.
  • Stephan Harris of the Boston Herald: The Bruins are getting healthier, with Milan Lucic expected to return this week, and Marc Savard could be back next week.
  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun:
    • Jonas Gustavsson will be an RFA at the end of the season, and there might be teams that would sign him to a $5 million offer sheet. Burke can’t negotiate with ‘The Monster’ until January.
    • The Predators are trying to unload RWer Ryan Jones and his $975,000 contract.
    • The Rangers and Canadiens have had talks involving Sergei and Andrei Kostitsyn.
    • The Oilers have inquired about Sergei Kostitsyn, a junior linemate of Sam Gagne.
    • The Islanders will most likely trade Martin Biron once Rick DiPietro returns. The Kings or Sabres are possible destinations. I’d also think the Wings might be monitoring his play.
  • Tim Sassone of the Daily Hearld: The Blackhawks could be looking to trade for a 2nd line center to replace the injured David Bolland (out 3-4 months with back injury). Patrick Sharp could be moved into that role if a trade can’t be worked out. Hurricanes’ Matt Cullen and his $2.875 cap hit might be a fit if Bolland was placed on LTIR.
  • Jay Zawaski of Chicago Now: With Toews and Kane possibly close to signing contract extensions; if they sign with a hometown discount, they might be able to keep Duncan Keith. If they re-sign for fair market value, Keith is probably gone.