On the intermission program "The Hotstove" during CBC's Hockey Night in Canada broadcast, Al Strachan stated that the Toronto Maple Leafs will definitely buy out Darcy Tucker's contract and will likely buy out Jason Blake's contract as well. Scott Morrison speculated that Blake could be traded sometime this summer, as well as Bryan McCabe, who is rumored to accept a trade to the New York Islanders. Brochu's take: The buy-out is the new buzzword in Toronto. Tucker's contract is relatively manageable and I doubt that he would get bought out. Moving Blake and McCabe's contracts would be easier and better off in the long run.
The Leafs also signed forward Kyle Rogers to a two-year, entry level contract. He will the AHL Toronto Marlies for the remainder of the season and playoffs. Brochu's take: Rogers was pursued by many teams, and is a good step for the re-building Leafs. Source
Pittsburgh Penguins GM Ray Shero is unsure if he could re-sign forward Marian Hossa. When asked about the situation, he responded "I don't know. If I had to look into a crystal ball, it would be a little cloudy." Brochu's take: Hossa knows he is the top free agent this summer and could get a better contract if he goes to free agency. I can only see Hossa re-signing with the Pens if they make a deep run in the playoffs. Source
The newspapers in Florida speculate that the Florida Panthers will be making several important decisions this summer. GM and head coach Jacques Martin and franchise forward Olli Jokinen have butted heads this season, and one or both of them could be gone. Brochu's take: My feeling is Martin is good as gone. As for Jokinen, several teams will make a run for him and the Panthers will have to seriously address if the packages are enough to trade him.
The Dallas Stars have signed forward Raymond Sawada to a two-year, entry level contract and assigned him to the AHL Iowa Stars.
The Washington Capitals have signed center Mathieu Perreault to a three-year contract, entry level contract.
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