Top Line: Bertuzzi-Moore settlement; Seattle Sea Lions?; more links
An annotated guide to this morning's must-read hockey stories:
• Could a resolution to the long-running legal drama pitting Steve Moore against Todd Bertuzzi finally be at an end? Reports are filtering out that the two sides are working towards an out-of-court settlement, with John Buccigross tweeting this morning that an agreement has been reached. The Toronto Star reported that a lawyer for Bertuzzi has confirmed the deal.
• There's been no progress in contract talks between the Blue Jackets and Ryan Johansen, and with a gulf of $3 million per year between their bargaining positions it doesn't look like a compromise will be reached any time soon. It's more likely that the star center will miss the start of training camp, which would be a setback for his development and for an organization that's looking to build on the best season in franchise history.
• I love the way Islanders draft pick Josh Ho-Sang plays the game, but there are times when I wonder how long he'll continue to be his own worst enemy. This is one of those times. Not that there's anything wrong with him wondering why he continues to be ignored by Hockey Canada, but he has to understand that checking his ego at the door is critical to the success of the program ... and checking his ego is something he's never been willing or able to do.
• So what if he's about to turn 42? Age isn't a concern for the Red Wings as they look to re-sign Daniel Alfredsson for the upcoming season.
• Arizona Coyotes owner George Gosbee points to a series of long-term agreements his team has recently signed as proof that it isn't going anywhere. He follows that up with a Q & A that even includes a little something for the fancystats geeks.
• In this Q&A, GM Jim Nill talks about getting Jason Spezza to re-sign with the Stars, working young players into the lineup, and his team's chances of winning the Stanley Cup.
• The departure of Spezza forces Kyle Turris into the No. 1 job in Ottawa. Turris's readiness is one of the questions on the docket as the Senators get the 30-in-30 treatment today on NHL.com.
• The Senators are in the market for a new captain and this guy says he wouldn't mind the added responsibility.
• Imagine this: the NHL in Seattle for the start of the 2015-16 season. According to a local report, it could happen.
• If it ever does happen for Seattle, the team might look something like this.
• The Sabres landed two minor events on the NHL calendar yesterday. Now they're looking to land the big fish for Buffalo.
• We've all griped about inexplicable decisions made by the schedule makers, haven't we? Read this and maybe you'll cut them some slack the next time your team has a rough stretch.
• Is this the year former top pick Nail Yakupov becomes a point-per-game player? Don't count on it.
• How desperate are some NHL teams for puck-moving defensemen? When Tomas Kaberle is getting a camp invite, it's safe to say we're in a seller's market.