Wednesday June 9th - Afternoon News

Sharks Captain Rob Blake Retiring

Predators prepare for free agency

St. Louis Blues begin contract talks with Chris Mason

European teams showing interest in Red Wings defenseman Brett Lebda

Sharks Captain Rob Blake Retiring

Sharks captain Rob Blake is retiring from the NHL after 21 seasons, a source close to the situation has told Comcast SportsNet Bay Area exclusively.

The source said that Blake is waiting until the conclusion of the Stanley Cup Finals because he did not want to be a distraction while the Chicago Blackhawks and Philadelphia Flyers are still playing.

An official announcement could come as early as next week. When contacted by Comcast SportsNet Bay Area, the Sharks declined to comment on the story. Comcast SportsNet Bay Area also reached out to Blake but he has not returned calls.

The veteran defenseman played a pivotal role in San Jose's run to the NHL's Western Conference Finals this past season, starting with him being named captain after the "C" was removed from Patrick Marleau's jersey.

Blake, 40, played in 70 games in 2009-10, scoring seven goals and contributing 23 assists as the Sharks posted a Western Conference-best 113 points, second-best in the league. He earned $3.5 million after signing a one-year deal at the conclusion of the 2008-'09 season.

There was speculation following the Sharks' season-ending loss to the Blackhawks that Blake, long regarded as one of the game's most respected blue-liners, would hang up his skates.

Read more: EXCLUSIVE: Sharks Captain Rob Blake Retiring
Tune to SportsNet Central at 6, 10:30 and midnight on Comcast SportsNet Bay Area for more on this story

http://www.csnbayarea.com/06/09/10/EXCLUSIVE-Sharks-Captain-Rob-Blake-Retir/landing.html?blockID=250336&feedID=2539#SJSharks

Predators prepare for free agency

Peers regard David Poile as one of the best general managers in the NHL. He was a finalist for the league's inaugural GM of the Year Award this season. He was an associate general manager for the U.S. Olympic men's ice hockey team.

In the next few weeks, his expertise again will be put to the test.

Free agency begins July 1, and one of the biggest issues facing the Predators is the future of Dan Hamhuis, a top-three defenseman for Nashville and a solid veteran.

"This is a tough one," Poile said Tuesday.

Hamhuis, 27, made $2.5 million in 2009-10 and soon could become an unrestricted free agent. His contract is set to expire June 30, and several teams are expected to show interest and offer more money if Nashville doesn't sign him before the deadline.

"I think it's going to be very difficult," Poile said. "But I'd like to continue having conversations this week and possibly reach out to Dan next week before we take our final position."

Hamhuis' agent, Wade Arnott, said discussions have been positive and ongoing.

"The club had always advised Dan and myself that they would address his situation at season's end, after they had a chance to meet as a group in management and with ownership," Arnott said. "I believe they've met among management and have some ongoing meetings with ownership. I expect to have more positive dialogue leading up to July 1, if it gets that far."

Should Hamhuis, who just completed his sixth season with Nashville, leave town, there will be more tough calls to make.

Do the Predators attempt to re-sign defenseman Denis Grebeshkov, 26, a potential restricted free agent who made more than $3 million last season, or defenseman Francis Bouillon, 34, a potential unrestricted free agent?

Or do the Predators start rebuilding defensive depth with younger players in the system, such as 21-year-old Jonathon Blum and 19-year-old Ryan Ellis?

http://www.tennessean.com/article/20100609/SPORTS02/6090377/2163

St. Louis Blues begin contract talks with Chris Mason

The Blues have finally offered definition to their goaltending plans for next season, opening discussions this week on a contract extension for Chris Mason.

Nearly two months have passed since the end of the Blues' season, but with three weeks left before the start of free agency, the club says there's plenty of time to get a deal done with its starter of the past 1½ seasons.

"We all know the ground rules," Blues President John Davidson said. "It sounds generic, but it depends on dollars and depends on terms. Both sides have to decide what they want to do or it'll go to July 1

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sports/stories.nsf/blues/story/7A6AE5150BD010AB8625773D00057687?OpenDo*****ent

European teams showing interest in Red Wings defenseman Brett Lebda

Europe might be a viable option for defenseman Brett Lebda.

"Teams in Europe have reached out regarding Brett," said Steve Mountain, Lebda's agent declined further comment, noting Lebda is under contract with the Detroit Red Wings until July 1.

But according to a report in Russia's Sovetzky Sport, Lebda turned down an offer from Dynamo Minsk of the Kontinental Hockey League.

"I have suspended negotiations," Minsk general manager Sergei Katkov told Sovetzky Sport. "We do not have that

http://www.mlive.com/redwings/index.ssf/2010/06/european_teams_showing_interes.html