Washington Capitals: There isn’t much optimism from the Capitals when it comes to defenseman Tom Poti being able to return to the NHL. “Tom’s been working at it and improving but I don’t know if he’ll ever get to the point where he can play again,” McPhee told reporters Tuesday. “As I said in the summer, we weren’t counting on it.”
San Jose Sharks: Forward Ryane Clowe has facial fractures, but is not feeling any concussion-like symptoms.
Calgary Flames: Forward Curtis Glencross is week-to-week with a knee injury.
Minnesota Wild: Center Mikko Koivu still hopes he’ll be able to participate in the All-Star game, and the NHL has agreed to hold off on naming a replacement. If there is a replacement expect it to be Scott Hartnell.
The Wild have dropped out of the top 8 in the West after losing 14 of 16.
They’ve been hit with injuries to their top 6. They would like to improve their top 6, but they aren’t the only ones. The Ducks have dangled Bobby Ryan. The Sabres have Drew Stafford, Derek Roy and Brad Boyes. The Rangers have Wojtek Wolski and Erik Christensen. The Blue Jackets have Vaclav Prospal. The Oilers have Ales Hemsky. The Hurricanes have Tuomo Ruutu.
Pittsburgh Penguins: Defenseman Kris Letang could return to the lineup for the 1st time in 2 months tonight. “It’s coach’s decision,” Letang said of his return. “I know I am ready to go. I have been resting. I have been doing some treatment. I am comfortable. Otherwise I wouldn’t be on the ice.”
Edmonton Oilers: Taylor Hall is not shut down for the remainder of the season, I love these silly rumors that go on in the NHL.
Winnipeg Jets: Could be looking to move some of their future UFAs, which includes: Chris Mason, Jim Slater, Tanner Glass, Kyle Wellwood, Johnny Oduya, Randy Jones, Mark Flood and Derek Meech. Though some of their UFAs could receive contract extensions or possibly brought back in the summer.
New Jersey Devils: GM Lou Lamoriello has said he won’t move Zach Parise as long as they are in the playoff hunt, and that he wants to sign Parise to an extension. But what if the Devils fall out of contention, and they haven’t signed him by Feb. 27th?
I personally think this is what will happen.
It’s no secret, Parise want’s to be paid but most importantly want’s to win. First comes the money, if the Devils are in the playoffs which I think they will be, that’s incentive for Parise to stick around in Jersey. BUT, after an early first round exit, Parise will feel other wise. And will NOT remain a Devil.
If they have a deep playoff run, I expect Parise to stick around BUT NOT with an extension. He want’s a contract, and a nice one. And being the great player he is, especially how he was in the Olympics, teams will fight for him, giving him whatever he wants.
The way I see it
Parise holds the cards for his future. As for the playoffs, I expect the Devils to make a deep playoff run, mainly because the Eastern Conference is very weak this season. With that said, Parise stays a Devil after this season.
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