Jeremy Rutherford: The Blues re-signed Patrik Berglund to a one-year, $3.25 million deal.
Tom Gulitti of the Bergon Record: Starting July 3rd at noon, teams are allowed to start talking to UFAs and RFA for a “interview period” as part of the new CBA. Players are not allowed to sign until July 5th at noon. It will be tight lipped out of New Jersey as usual on how talks are going with most of their free agents. UFA David Clarkson on his agents talks with GM Lou Lamoriello.
“I know my agent and Mr. Lamoriello have been talking, but I don’t think they’ve gotten too deep into specifics yet,” Clarkson said. “Right now, I’m just waiting to see what happens. I’ll probably know more after the next few days.”
Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: Red Wings free agent Damien Brunner “loves Detroit” and his agent said that he “will sign longer than one year.” Brunner had a strong first half (10 goals in 19 games) but tailed off in the second (finished with 12 goals in 44 games). They will meet this weekend with Ken Holland, with the issue of money remaining.
“We’ve had discussions,” Sheehy said. “We’re scheduled to talk again in New Jersey this weekend.”
“Those are always issues,” Sheehy said. “If you have a long track record, it makes it easier. Nonetheless, he’s a good player. We’ll see where talks go.”
Darren Dreger: Sources saying the Oilers have offered Sam Gagner a multi-year contract extension. Still work to get done. Ryan Rishaug: Sides are progressing towards a deal, but there is still lots to get done.
Joe Haggerty of CSNNE: A source with knowledge of the contract talks between the Bruins and Tuukka Rask said that Carey Price’s 6-year, $39 million deal “is the starting point for negotiations.” Rask will be looking for $6.5 million going forward. The Bruins are also looking to get a deal done for Patrice Bergeron.
Josh Rimer: Blackhawks free agent Bryan Bickell on if he’ll be re-signing: ”I definitely hope so, I see the city as my 2nd home & love playing here” .. “I want to be back for sure. My agent and i will talk in the next couple days.”
Todd Cordell: According to @BroadStBull (Sam Carchidi) the Flyers are expected to target UFA David Clarkson.
Larry Brooks: The NHL has let teams know that the league will not allow a player to be traded, amnestied and the to re-sign with the original club. It would be considered cap circumvention. (likely stemming from the rumors of the Leafs trading for Vincent Lecavalier in a deal involving the No. 3 pick, buying Vinny out and then him re-signing with the Lightning for much less).
Damian Cristodero: Vincent Lecavalier’s agent on the chance he’s bought out: ’We understand it’s something they might be contemplating’
Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: The Avalanche will not use any compliance buyouts this year. David Jones was the most likely candidate to bought out, as he has three years at $4 million per season left. Shane O’Brien has two years and $2 million per left and could have been another option.
James Mirtle: Mirtle can’t see the Canucks buying out Roberto Luongo for $27 million. There has to be way to trade him, even if they have to eat some of his salary.
Mark Spector: The Oilers won’t use a compliance buyout on Shawn Horcoff. Doesn’t mean they won’t use one on someone else.
Joe Haggerty: A team source is saying the Bruins won’t use any of their compliance buyouts.
Chip Alexander: Hurriances GM Jim Rutherford said yesterday that they don’t expect to use any of their compliance buyouts.
Mark Spector: Flames GM Jay Feaster confirms that they won’t be using any compliance buyouts this year.
Brad Ziemer: Canucks GM Mike Gillis said there has been no decision made on compliance buyouts yet.
Mike Harrington: (referring to Ryan Miller to Flyers speculation) Sean Couturier would be on the Sabres wish list.
Pass it to Bulis: “If Roberto Luongo somehow ends up getting traded to Philadelphia, he’ll end up in the one place more toxic to goaltenders than Vancouver.”
John Boruk: Boruk’s gut feeling on the Flyers starter next season: 1. Roberto Luongo 2. Tim Thomas 3. Ray Emery 4. Jonas Hiller (as part of a trade for Bobby Ryan)
Sam Carchidi: Flyers GM Paul Holmgren said the Flyers won’t pursue Luongo.
Sam Carchidi: It wouldn’t be a surprise if Ilya Bryzgalov returned to Russia next year.