In The Crease

Don't be surprised if the Flyers sign at least two high-profile free agents this summer. Expect Philadelphia to make a big pitch for centers Joe Sakic and Jeremy Roenick as well as defenseman Rob Blake. In addition the Flyers will try hard to re-sign their own coveted free agent, left wing John LeClair....

Because of the animosity between commissioner Gary Bettman and NHL Players' Association chief Bob Goodenow, Larry Kelly, a prominent agent, is leading a movement to get Penguins owner-player Mario Lemieux and Coyotes owner Wayne Gretzky deeply involved on the management side in the upcoming negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement. The current CBA expires following the 2003-04 season....

NHL coaches are insulted that the Jack Adams Award winner receives only $1,000 in addition to the hardware. The cash award for being named coach of the year comes up far short of the loot for the players' top honor: The Hart Trophy winner gets $10,000, with the runner-up receiving $6,000 and the third-place finisher $4,000. The NHL Broadcasters' Association determines payment for the coaches' award, while the league is responsible for the money for the other honors....

The contract of Maple Leafs goalie Curtis Joseph expires after next season, and Joseph's agent, Don Meehan, will use an unusual comparison in negotiations. In making his case for Joseph's value, Meehan will compare him as a team centerpiece with another Toronto franchise player—Raptors forward Vince Carter....

Forward Zdeno Ciger, who has not played an NHL game in five years, is being recruited by Wild general manager Doug Risebrough. Ciger, 31, scored 82 goals in 296 NHL games before leaving to play for Bratislava in his native Slovakia.