John Shannon via twitter: A Ryan Suter announcement is “likely” today. Agent Wade Arnott says that Parise is also “likely” today. Andy Strickland via twitter: Confirms that Parise will sign this afternoon, continuing to iron out contract details. Darren Dreger via twitter: Dreger expects the Parise-Suter saga to conclude today.
Will DePaoli via twitter: Word as of late last night, Suter was leaning towards signing with the Wild over the Red Wings. As of late last night, the Penguins haven’t been informed that they are out on Parise, but some feeling it’s down to Wild or the Devils.
Josh Rimer via twitter: After his interview last night with Parise, Rimer strongly believes that Parise and Suter are a package deal. Has a strong feeling they will both be signing with the Wild.
Josh Cooper via twitter: As of last night, Cooper doesn’t believe the Predators were told they were out of it.
Dustin Leed via twitter: The Flyers reportedly have offered Suter $102 million. Just imagine what they would/will throw at Shea Weber.
Nick Kypreos via twitter: Coyotes Brett MacLean is in stable condition and needs further testing. Early indications are that he didn’t suffer a major heart attach as it was suggested by some.
Ben Kuzma of the Vancouver Province: Kuzma thinks that once Roberto Luongo is moved, Al Montoya could be an option for the Canucks as their backup. Dan Ellis could also me an option, or they could go the trade route and see if the Coyotes want to move Jason LaBarbera. If the Canucks send Luongo to Florida, getting Jose Theodore back as part of the package is possible.
Jason Botchford of the Vancouver Province: The Canucks added Jason Garrison to their blueline, but they are still looking to fill a hole at center. They may have offered Olli Jokinen a 1 year deal. The Canucks will likely go the trade route to find a center, and there hasn’t been much progress with a Luongo deal.
Dennis Bernstein via twitter: Bernstein says that the Canucks are looking for a playmaking 3rd line center as Kesler is coming off surgery again.
John Vogl of the Buffalo News: Sabres GM Darcy Regier:
“I expect there to be a secondary trade market after this unrestricted market,” Regier said. “We’re looking at any situation that will make us a better team. We’re not locked in. Some guys we certainly would not want to trade under any circumstances, but we’re sitting here in early July and if the opportunity to improve our team is out there, then we want to be able to take advantage of it.”
The Sabres are looking to improve up the middle as they don’t have any experience for their top lines. Cody Hodgson and Tyler Ennis are both 22. With the addition of Steve Ott, the Sabres now have 6 left wingers: Thomas Vanek, Marcus Foligno, Ott, Ville Leino, Nathan Gerbe and John Scott. Ott can take faceoffs, but is more comfortable on the wing. They also have 9 defenseman on their roster.
Aaron Portzline via twitter: Portzline has been told repeatedly that Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson has NOT demanded Chris Kreider, Ryan McDonagh or Derek Stepan in trade talks with the Rangers. Portzline has been told there are lots of way the Rangers could get a deal done without incorporating those 3. McDonagh doesn’t make sense as a centerpiece. Darren Dreger via twitter: Dreger responds to Portzline by saying that the Blue Jackets should let the Rangers know that then. Multiple trade scenarios have been pitched to the Jackets by the Rangers and have been turned away.