NHL Rumors III: Bruins, Predators, Hurricanes, Blackhawks and Oilers
  • Nicholas Goss of NESN: Loui Eriksson could find himself on the Bruins top line with David Krejci and Milan Lucic.

    “I’m really comfortable with that. It’s a different look, but (Eriksson) is a very smart player,” Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli said July 1 when asked about the idea of Eriksson slotting into the vacant first-line spot. “He’s a great two-way player. He plays a very smart game. I saw him play with the Sedins — he can play at that level. He can play on the matchup, so …

    “But having said that, he can move down the lineup and he’s comfortable with it. So I mean, the options are there. It would be nice to get a right shot — that would be a priority at some point — but I have no problem with (Eriksson) playing on that top line, and I’ve talked to (Krejci) about it, and he welcomes it. If you watch how Loui plays, he plays a real give-and-go game, and he’s very smart, passes to areas … He’s very compatible with (Krejci).”

  • Josh Cooper of the Tennessean: The Predators are likely finished with free agency, but there are still a couple UFAs that might help them out: Daniel Alfredsson, Devin Setoguchi and Michael Del Zotto.
  • Josh Cooper of the Tennessean: If the Predators are looking to add some offense through the trade market, they could look at Jets Evander Kane. Cooper thinks the Predators should stay away from Kane due to his character issues. The Predators have pieces like Colin Wilson and Ryan Ellis that might interest the Jets.
  • Chip Alexander: Hurricanes GM Ron Francis has spoken with Chad LaRose’s agent. Sides are still in the talking stage.
  • Scott Powers: The Blackhawks are still likely to be looking to add an experienced goalie on a two-way deal.
  • Lowetide: “One thing about trading Eberle is current GM didn’t draft him. History tells us it’s easier for a GM to deal a previously procured talent.”