from Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal,

- The Detroit Red Wings are in a pickle with Val Filppula, who has tons of ability but has never really broken through to star status. He makes $3 million US now, and sources say he’d like $4.5 million or so in a new deal when he’s an unrestricted free agent July 1. That’s too rich for Detroit, but what if Pavel Datsyuk, 34, returns to Russia after his contract ends in 2014? “They know that’s a possibility,” said one NHL executive. Then, they need the Filppula, who’s 28.

- How much do you think New Jersey Devils winger David Clarkson will get on the open market on July 1? He’s the NHL’s second-best power forward who will drop the mitts after Milan Lucic. Clarkson loves the Devils – he played junior in Kitchener, Ont., for Devils coach Pete DeBoer – but he’s only 28 and has a cap hit of $2.666 million. He’s a $4.5-million player when the free-agency doors swing open July 1. He’d be perfect for the skilled, smallish Edmonton Oilers, but he’s not moving across the continent. If not Clarkson, then the Oilers better make a heavy push for Ryane Clowe of the San Jose Sharks.

more and here too...