Shelly Anderson of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Sidney Crosby is still being bothered by his hip flexor, he left practice early and did not play in last night’s game. It’s the 2nd time this camp that he’s been bothered by it, and was held out as a precaution. Crosby’s not concerned about it and hopes to play in their last pre-season game on Sunday.
Michael Russo of the Star-Tribune: There is a report from CKAC that the Minnesota Wild are going to sign Jose Theodore to a 1-year, $1 million deal. As of last night, there have been discussion but there hasn’t been confirmation that the deal if done. Reports are that he’ll report to their AHL affiliate until the team returns from Finland. Harding will most likely be put on LTIR.
Jason Botchford of the Vancouver Province: The Vancouver Canucks will discuss their final cuts today. They still need to trim about $3 million in cap space off the roster. “I’d by lying if I said the cap wouldn’t come in here to play a little bit,” Vigneault said. “We’ll assess the players tomorrow and come up with the best decisions for the benefit of out team.” Sami Salo and Alex Burrows could be put on LTIR to save some money. The Calgary Flames could be interested in Brendan Morrison, who’s still on a tryout with the Canucks.
Mike Zeisberger of the Toronto Sun: Toronto Maple Leafs coach on Nazem Kadri, “I can’t see him being in the (Maple Leafs) lineup opening night.” Kadri said he’d take being sent to the Marlies like a man, “This is the NHL,” he said. “There is no room for crybabies.”
James Murphy of ESPN Boston: The Boston Bruins are still searching for a puck moving defenseman. Matt Huntwick has the potential to fill that role but he’s struggled in camp.
Darren Millard via twitter: Ales Kotalik and David Moss left Calgary’s game last night versus the Oilers with injuries. Vicki Hall via twitter: She can’t believe she’s saying this, but the Flames could be in trouble if Kotalik’s injury is serious. Centers Matt Stajan and Daymond Langkow are also out with injuries. Jason Botchford via twitter: Brendan Morrison to the Flames has made sense for awhile now.
Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: One line that has looked good for the St. Louis Blues and will start the season together; David Backes centering David Perron and Brad Boyes. The Blues have moved Backes back to center this year, but still talk that he may be moved back the right side. They like his size down the middle. Matt D’Agostini has taken advantage of Vladimir Sobotka’s injury and may start the season centering the 4th line.
Rich Hammond of the LA Kings Insider: LA Kings winger Scott Parse still hasn’t skated since injuring his groin in the first pre-season game on Sept. 22nd. Brad Richardson has taken his spot on the 2nd line with Jarret Stoll and Justin Williams. Parse did some off-ice stuff yesterday and felt some tenderness. From Murray, “It’s inflammation only. That has been looked at, and checked out, by our team doctors. It’s a matter of that starting to calm down, with rest and medication and treatments.”
Chris Kuc of the Chicago Tribune: Victor Stalberg is battling Jeremy Morin for one of the final spots on the Chicago Blackhawks roster. Their roster is at 26 players right now, and the team is deciding if they will go with a 21 or 22 man roster. Stalberg has more NHL experience, 40 games with the Leafs last year. He has 1 assist in 5 games so far this pre-season, compared to Morin’s goal and 2 assists.
