Some news and notes from around the NHL:
- Dave Staples reacts to the red hot TSN rumor of Penner and Smid for Heatley.
- Matt Duchene has never set the bar low for himself and his plans include playing for the Avalanche this year.
- Sources say Chris Neil turned down the Ottawa Senators’ offer of $1.7-million per year and will likely go to free agency unless there are further developments tonight.
- The Dallas Stars have re-signed right wing Jere Lehtinen to a one-year contract for the 2009-10 season.
- The Sabres burst out of the lockout four years ago as a sleek, smallish team built for the so-called “new” NHL. But that wide-open, goal-filled league has quickly dissolved into one ruled by size and grit again.
- For the first time in years, Chris Chelios is waiting for a call.
- The Boston Bruins announced Tuesday that they have bought out the final year of forward Peter Schaefer‘s contract.
- Getting cynical as the Red Wings free agent previews/rumors roll in.
- Minnesota Wild General Manager Chuck Fletcher today announced the National Hockey League (NHL) club has named Jim Mill Assistant to the General Manager.
- While agents and general managers are forbidden from discussing specific contracts and players before the deadline passes, they’ve usually had some informal discussions ahead of that time.
- Step right up to the NHL’s annual three-ring free-agent circus Wednesday and under the big top you’ll see more than 300 players available to the highest bidder.
