Rich Chere: Devils GM Lou Lamoriello wouldn’t say whether he would send David Clarkson one more offer before noon tomorrow.
Josh Rimer: Doug MacLean on Rimer’s NiteCap show: “The two teams pushing hard for David Clarkson are Toronto & Edmonton.”
Lou Korac: Blues GM Doug Armstrong on free agency: “We’re going to make a deal that will stand the test of time economically.”
Andy Strickland of True Hockey: Sounding like Chris Stewart and the Blues are heading to arbitration. A last minute deal could get worked out. Could assume that Stewart is looking for more than $4.5 million a season.
Jeremy Rutherford: Alex Pietrangelo’s agent, Don Meehan: “Nothing new to report. Doug indicated to me at the Draft he would be in touch with us within the near future.”
Adrian Dater: Hearing the Blues are interested in Jarome Iginla.
Tim Panaccio: Tim Thomas’ agent called the Flyers yesterday. They have little cap room and may want to go cheaper.
Darren Dreger: Teams are allowed to spend over the cap with 35+ year old players by using a bonus cushion. Overages would be applied to next seasons cap.
Pierre LeBrun: Multiple teams reached out to Alfredsson yesterday. He may decide his fate today. LeBrun doesn’t think he’ll leave Ottawa.
David Pagnotta: Daniel Briere could have a decision today. Pierre LeBrun Briere got his list down to 3 teams late last night. LeBrun thinks Montreal is one of the teams.
Arthur Staple: Source saying that the Islanders are not part of Daniel Briere final teams that he’s considering.
Bill Watters: (regarding his comments yesterday that Cory Schneider wanted out due to off ice issues) Can’t clarify the issues, but led to believe it isn’t booze or drugs.
Darren Dreger: Sources saying that MLSE boss Tim Leiweke talk with Wayne Gretzky about joining MLSE. They have put talks on hold for now but plan on revisiting at some point. What Gretzky’s role could be hasn’t been determined.
Bill Watters: “Schneider ‘s exit from Vancouver was precipitated by off ice issues,rather than goaltending and financial as outlined in Gillis’ rationale.”
The Fourth Period: The Maple Leafs plan on being active in the next few days. They are looking for a top line center and a top-six winger. The Leafs are looking at UFAs Stephen Weiss and David Clarkson. Weiss could be looking for a five year worth $5 million a season. Various reports have Clarkson looking for upwards of $6 million a year, which might be too much for the Leafs. The Leafs are shopping Mikhail Grabovski and John-Michael Liles.
Pierre LeBrun: After originally deciding to cut ties with Jaromir Jagr, GM Peter Chiarelli said he’s thought about circling back to him after Nathan Horton said he’s leaving.
The Fourth Period: Bruins GM Chiarelli is working on a couple of trades. He’s believed to be looking to move Rich Peverley and Chris Kelly to free up some cap space. The Bruins are close to signing Tuukka Rask and Patrice Bergeron to long term extensions. Chiarelli has already had a conversation with Daniel Briere and could inquire about David Clarkson.
Mike Halford of Pro Hockey Talk: Keith Ballard’s agent, Ben Hankinson, went on Vancouver radio this morning and said the Canucks bought out the two remaining years of his contract. According to CapGeek, the Canucks now have $7.4 million in cap space.
Brad Ziemer: The Canucks have seven roster spots to fill, and the re-signing of Chris Tanev won’t come cheap.
Ansar Khan of MLive: The Red Wings have interest in Stephen Weiss. It’s not looking like Valtteri Filppula will be returning. The Wings had interest in David Clarkson, but have cooled lately. Nathan Horton may be asking too much for them. There are concerns whether or not Jarome Iginla can play the up-tempo game at both ends. Their biggest need is a second line center. Options could be Mike Ribeiro (Washington), Matt Cullen (Minnesota), Derek Roy (Vancouver) and Tyler Bozak (Toronto). Other forwards that might interest them: Michael Ryder (Montreal), Viktor Stalberg (Chicago), Mason Raymond (Vancouver), Brenden Morrow (Pittsburgh), Ryane Clowe (Rangers) and Jaromir Jagr (Boston).
Bob McKenzie: The Florida Panthers are buying out defenseman Filip Kuba. They are not using a compliance buyout, so it will count against the cap.