Quick Hits: Injury Notes, Sabres, Signings And The Hand Pass
The San Jose Sharks get away with a non-reviewable hand pass.
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Injury notes

Shawn Hutchinson: Have been told that Boston Bruins forward Chris Wagner has gone back to Boston for further tests on his arm. Was injured in Game 3 blocking a shot.

Andy Strickland: The injury status of St. Louis Blues defenseman Vince Dunn should be made known today. (He left last night’s game after taking a puck to the face.)

Bill Hoppe: Buffalo Sabres GM Jason Botterill said that defenseman Brandon Montour is heading back to Buffalo (leaving the World Championships). Botterill doesn’t think the injury is long-term.

Krueger named Sabres GM

Lance Lysowski: New Buffalo Sabres GM Ralph Krueger isn’t expected to be in Buffalo for another few weeks.

Pierre LeBrun: Not confirmed but Krueger’s deal is expected to be for three years at around $11.5 and $12 million.

Paul Hamilton: Krueger was previously in Buffalo and walked around the city, going to bars and restaurants to watch games with the fans.

Player signings

Florida Panthers: The Panthers have signed Aleksi Heponiemi to a three-year, entry-level contract.

  • Elliotte Friedman: Heponiemi’s contract doesn’t have a European out, so he’ll be playing in North American next season.

Aaron Portzline: The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed goaltender Elvis Merzlikin to a one-year, one-way contract for $874,125.

Pittsburgh Penguins: The Pittsburgh Penguins signed Kasper Bjorkqvist to a two-year, entry-level contract.

Assistant GM Bill Guenin on Bjorkqvist: “We were very happy with the steady progression in his production… He is a disciplined hockey player who plays a very team-oriented game.”

Sharks get away with a hand pass

Jeremy Rutherford: Was it a hand pass?

Kay Whitmore: “It’s a non-reviewable play.”

Jeremy Rutherford: Did the refs see the hand pass?

Kay Whitmore: “It’s a non-reviewable play. You can read between the lines. You can figure out what you want. You watched the video. But it’s just non-reviewable. I know that sounds like a cop-out answer, but that’s the truth.”

Greg Wyshynski: NHL: “Plays of this nature are not reviewable. A hand pass that goes into the net can be reviewed but a hand pass between teammates cannot be reviewed.”

Dennis Bernstein: “Time for NHL to go the NFL route. Review all scoring plays. You simply can’t say that an overtime goal scoring sequence in a conference final game is not reviewable.”