NHL Player News

Sunday, May 27

• 05/27/12 - 11:18AM ETJustin Schultz : Unlikely to Sign With Ducks

  Schultz has withdrawn from school at the University of Wisconsin, and will likely forgo signing with the Ducks to become a free agent, Buckys5thquarter.com reports.

  Schultz was drafted in 2008 by the Ducks, but since it's been four years he's now able to pick his organization. The Ducks only have until June 22 to negotiate with Schultz exclusively, but it sounds like Schultz has no interest in playing in Anaheim. As a result, Schultz will be able to sign with any team when free agency opens up on July 1. There are also rumors that the Ducks may go after the team that signs Schultz with tampering charges. Expect to hear more about this story as July 1 gets closer.

• 05/27/12 - 9:32AM ETRick Nash : Jackets Likely to Exlplore Trade Options

  The Blue Jackets look prepared to begin exploring trade options for Nash, the Columbus Dispatch reports.

  At this point it seems highly likely that Nash will be wearing a different sweater next season, but the Blue Jackets' brass remains adamant that they won't deal Nash unless they get a solid return. The trade market is small, so Nash will get a lot of attention from other teams. Expect talks to heat up as the draft approaches on June 22.

Saturday, May 26

• 05/26/12 - 2:21PM ETSimon Gagne : (Concussion) Outside Chance of Returning

  Gagne (concussion) was back at practice and a return to the Kings hasn't been ruled out, the Mercury News reports.

  "Well, we're still playing, so he got an opportunity to practice with us," said coach Darryl Sutter. "You need lots of live ammo. Somebody asked (about Gagne's availability) a week or so ago, and there was no chance then, because he hadn't even skated with the team. All you do is improve your (chances). You go from zero to whatever." Gagne would seem like an unlikely insertion into the lineup given the Kings' run so far this postseason, but he could work his way back into the lineup if the Kings fall behind in the series or one of the regulars sustains an injury.

Friday, May 25

• 05/25/12 - 9:27AM ETRoberto Luongo : Asks for Trade

  Vancouver coach Alain Vigneault has confirmed Luongo has asked to be traded, reports the Toronto Sun.

  "This is what he wants now," Vigneault told TVA Sports's The Match on Wednesday. "And what we must do is (make the best decision) for our organization ... We will act in the best interest of our organization while trying to do what is best for Roberto." The coach did hint that Cory Schneider would be getting more playing time this year. A trade will be difficult, with the Orcas likely netting little in return for the star netminder simply because of the size of his contract. He remains one of the best goalies in the league (that is, when you leave his Octobers out of the mix), so he should remain a great fantasy option no matter where he lands.

• 05/25/12 - 9:23AM ETSteve Eminger : Likely to Play Friday

  Eminger is expected to play in Friday's Game 6 against the Devils, Steve Zipay of the New York Newsday reports.

  Nothing has been made official, but Eminger reportedly left Friday morning's skate much earlier than Stu Bickel. It looks like this change may be the only one to the Rangers' lines Friday.