John Buccigross via twitter: There could be some big news regarding the New York Rangers today.
Aaron Portzline via twitter: Portzline has strong reason to believe that Rick Nash trade talk is heating up considerably on the eve of free agency.
Andy Strickland via twitter: Word is that the Oilers and Senators are the 2 final teams for Justin Schultz. A 3rd team may still have a shot, told he still hasn’t made a decision. Could be a mid afternoon decision.
Andy Strickland via twitter: The Kings haven’t been happy with the offers they are getting for Jonathan Bernier. They are hoping for a 1st round pick.
Joe Haggerty via twitter: Look for the Bruins to stay the course when free agency starts.
John Boruk via twitter: Scott Clemmensen or Chris Mason may be the Flyers best options as a back-up goalie at this point.
Tim Panaccio of CSN Philly: If Martin Biron didn’t re-sign with the Rangers, he would have been interested in returning to the Flyers. Seems doubtful they the Flyers can re-sign Jaromir Jagr. Paul Gaustad would be an ideal player for the Flyers. Ruslan Fedotenko is another option. The Flyers are still in on Bobby Ryan. Ducks GM Bob Murray wanted Brayden Schenn or Sean Couturier. It’s unlikely they move either Schenn or Couturier. There would be a major hole in the Flyers blueline if Matt Carle leaves. The Flyers would be interested in Ryan Suter and Zach Parise, but it doesn’t appear that they are interested in them.
Dave Molinari via twitter: The Penguins have re-signed goalie Brad Thiessen to a 1 year, 2 way deal worth $525,000.
Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Teams will throw big money at Zach Parise and Ryan Suter. The Blackhawks are not overly enamoured with Corey Crawford. Would teams throw more than 1 year at Martin Brodeur. Ray Whitney would like to say with the Coyotes, but like Shane Doan, is concerned about ownership. Whitney is good friends with Yzerman, and teams like the Bruins, Blackhawks and Sharks could use a guy like him.
“I’ve always said if Phoenix matches any offer, I’ll stay there. Obviously, we have a home in Carolina, but with the trade they made for (Jordan) Staal and the money they’re going to give up … I’m not looking for them,” said Whitney, who is in the catbird’s seat. “There seems to be a shortage of scoring now.”
The Stars will make a run at Doan. Ryan Suter will get the biggest push from the Red Wings and Penguins. The Wild, Sharks, Red Wings and Penguins will be in the hunt for Zach Parise. Matheson thinks Jaromir Jagr will end up back with the Flyers. 10 free agents to watch: P.A. Parenteau, Jason Garrison, Matt Carle, Bryan Allen, Alexander Semin, Jiri Hudler, Bryce Salvador, Brandon Prust, Olli Jokinen and Jordin Tootoo. Matheson thinks that Roberto Luongo will end up with the Maple Leafs for maybe Cody Franson and a prospect. The Kings could move Jonathan Bernier to the Devils. The Flames have 9 defenseman on 1 way contracts. The Blues may be interested in Jay Bouwmeester.
Will DePaoli via twitter: Suter’s camp intends to be very patient and it’s a long shot that they will sign on July 1st.
Darren Dreger via twitter: No deal for Ray Whitney with the Coyotes, and he’ll hit the open market.
George Richards via twitter: Word is the Panthers are internally getting ready for the return of Roberto Luongo.
Tony Gallagher of the Vancouver Province: The Canucks are after Justin Schulz, and if they don’t get him, they may look at Jason Garrison. They hope to had Sami Salo back for at least 1 more year. Garrison reportedly wanted $5 million from the Panthers. Manny Malhotra could be their 3rd line center. Paul Gaustad could be an option. They could take a look at Shane Doan, and Brandon Prust should get some consideration.
Vesa Rantanen via twitter: Reports that the Canucks are talking to Salo are false, have not talked in 3 weeks.
Aaron Portzline via twitter: The Blue Jackets will join teams in looking at Brandon Prust. He could draw a big ticket.
Eric Francis via twitter: Francis thinks the Flames will make a push of Prust.
Tim Campbell of the Winnipeg Free Press: The Jets are about $11 million below the $54.2 million floor, but have 6 or 7 players to re-sign, including Evander Kane. They are still talking with Tanner Glass, and may have some interest in Kyle Wellwood and Mark Flood.
Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post Dispatch: Blues RFAs T.J. Oshie and David Perron are not expected to sign a new deal by July 1st.
“I think if you look around the league, there’s probably 200 guys in the same boat,” Blues general manager Doug Armstrong said. “This isn’t something that is a concern to me at all.”