Nick Kypreos via twitter: Richard Bloch could be the arbitrator in Kovalchuk case. Wednesday could be the start date, possibly concluding on Thursday.
Tim Sassone of the Daily Herald: Sources are saying Antti Niemi could be getting between $3 and $4 million from arbitration, which won’t be a good number for the ‘Hawks. Before arbitration the ‘Hawks offered Niemi a 3 year, $8 million deal. 3 teams that could be interested in Niemi are the Sharks, Capitals and Flyers.
NHLSourcesSay via twitter: If the Blackhawks walk away or trade Antti Niemi, they have a verbal agreement with Marty Turco for 1 year, $1.5 million.
Dennis Bernstein via twitter: After the trading of James Wisniewski, the Ducks could be looking at Andy Sutton, possibly Tomas Kaberle.
Aaron Portzline via twitter: The Columbus Blue Jackets are still looking at defenseman, including Kevin Bieksa and Tomas Kaberle.
Vicki Hall of the Calgary Herald: The Calgary Flames are currently about $2.35 million over the cap ceiling after the Ian White signing. That doesn’t include Mikael Backlund (about $1.27 million) but does include Ales Kotalik ($3 million). Kotalik could be sent to the minors or head back to Europe, both options would take Kotalik’s number off the cap. They have 8 defenseman under contract, which could mean one of them could be dealt.
Steve Conroy of the Boston Herald: After Blake Wheeler’s arbitration ruling, the Bruins are currently over the salary cap ceiling. They aren’t expected to buyout a player. The Bruins will most likely send a player to the minors, with Michael Ryder and his $4 million contract the leading candidate, or make a trade.
Andy Strickland via twitter: Jamal Mayers is talking to multiple teams, and hopes to have a deal done by end of next week.
