Mark Everson of the NY Post: Zach Parise is not expected to re-sign with the Devils before July 1st and will listen to offers from other teams. It appears that the Devils haven’t presented Parise with any contract proposals, nor explored preliminary parameters. They may make a bid before Sunday though. The Red Wings, Kings, Rangers and Penguins will be among the suitors. The Devils have interest in re-signing their UFAs; Martin Brodeur, Bryce Salvador, Johan Hedberg, Ryan Carter, Alexei Ponikarovsky, Steve Bernier, Petr Sykora, Stephen Gionta and Peter Harrold.
Tim Panaccio of CSN Philly: The Flyers may not get Matt Carle locked up before July 1st. Carle’s agent, Kurt Overhardt:
“We continue to talk to them but I wouldn’t be surprised if he is available on July 1. But we’re going to continue to talk to the Flyers. Just move forward accordingly.”
There were reports that he wouldn’t get to July 1st, but Dennis Wideman’s 5 year, $26.25 million deal may have changed things. Carle could now be worth $5.5 million, but the Flyers may be looking for something closer to $5 million.
Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The Oilers have made their pitch for Justin Schultz. They brought Kevin Lowe, Craig MacTavish, Steve Tambellini and Taylor Hall to make the pitch. A decision may not come until today or tomorrow. He can’t sign until July 1st. He can get a salary of $925,000, including a $92,500 signing bonus, and with performance bonuses he could carry a cap hit of $3.7 million. (if signed to a max entry level deal) Bob McKenzie via twitter: McKenzie believes the Wild are on Schultz’s short list of teams. Damien Cox via twitter: The Maple Leafs are expected to meet with Schultz today.
Ben Kuzma of the Vancouver Province: Pending UFA Jason Garrison is from BC, and would like play for the Canucks.
“Yeah, I guess time is ticking and I’m starting to realize it,” he said. “The situation in Florida isn’t over yet, but Sunday is going to come pretty quick and if nothing is done, then I’m looking forward to it. I still feel like I’m with Florida. Nothing is set in stone until July 1, but if that’s what it comes down to, I’ve got to prepare myself for that. I’m going to take a few days and make sure I’m well prepared and make sure I know what I’m getting into.”
Eric Francis via twitter: Sources saying Olli Jokinen’s days as a Flame are over. He’ll be a UFA on July 1st. George Richards via twitter: Hearing that Jokinen could be heading back to the Islanders.
Dan Rosen via twitter: Flames GM Jay Feaster said with the salary cap going up he doesn’t have to get rid of salary to accommodate the Dennis Wideman signing, but don’t rule out a Jay Bouwmeester trade.
Helene St. James via twitter: The Red Wings have inquired about trading for Rick Nash, but the Blue Jackets don’t want to trade him to Detroit. Wings would have to make a huge offer.
Spector’s Hockey via twitter: (Insider trading summary) Bob McKenzie reports the Canadiens and Carey Price are close on a deal. Shorter term than Jonathan Quick, but a higher cap hit. Darren Dreger reports the Panthers are the front-runners for Roberto Luongo. The Maple Leafs are not engaged in talks with the Canucks. Pierre LeBrun believes that Matt Carle could test the free agent market, as could Jason Garrison. The Panthers may shop Garrison’s rights. Bob McKenzie via twitter: Talk is that Price’s deal could be 6 or 7 years, possibly in the $6.5 million range. Link to Insider Trading video.
Arthur Staple via twitter: The Islanders are out of Justin Schultz sweepstakes. There is zero truth to the Mark Streit to Oilers rumors. Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Streit’s name has come up with regards to the Oilers. Radio shows are tossing his name out there. Their new coach, Ralph Kruger used to coach Streit on the Swiss national team. He’ll be 35 in November and has 1 year left on his deal. Sam Gagner may be interesting for the Islanders. Matt Carle could be a nice catch for the Oilers, but he’s similar to Tom Gilbert. Cost for Jason Garrison may be a little high.
Andy Strickland via twitter: The Kings next move may be to trade Jonathan Bernier, who has asked to be traded. Devils, Maple Leafs and Blackhawks are possibilities. The Kings told Bernier they would look to trade him once Jonathan Quick’s contract was finalized. Dan Rosen via twitter: The Kings should keep Bernier as their backup if they want. Could look to deal him at or before the trade deadline. They don’t have to move him now.
Tom Gulitti of the Bergon Record: Devils GM Lou Lamoriello continues to talk with Zach Parise. Things have been quiet regarding Martin Brodeur, but “there’s always communication.” It may be a matter of time before a Brodeur deal gets done. Brodeur represents himself, along with a help of lawyer, so it’s unlikely there will be any leaks. Johan Hedberg could be back next year as well.
Andy Strickland via twitter: Sheldon Souray may be open to signing with the Blues.
Josh Cooper of the Tennessean: The Predators still hope they are able to re-sign Paul Gaustad, though he’ll test the waters.
“Paul intends to wait until July 1st to see what options are available, but he is definitely considering Nashville’s offer to re-sign,” Gorman said.
“It would appear he’s going to free agency, but I’m holding out hope he might change his mind,” Poile said.