Midweek News and Notes

Brad Marchand is still without a contract two weeks after Bruins began negotiations with the rookie restricted free agent. After a consistent season, in which Marchand established himself as a feisty second and third liner capable of driving to the net and lighting the lamp, Marchand had a breakout postseason. RFA’s Joel Ward and Sean Bergenheim scored significant pay increases this offseason and Teddy Purcell reached an agreement before his July 20th hearing. Given the precedent this summer, giving Marchand Purcell and Milan Lucic money in the range of $2.5 to $3 million this year does not seem unreasonable. With a bleak outlook on next year’s salary cap, GM Peter Chiarelli might be afraid to tie up so much money on someone who has only one season under his belt. Given the culture among GM’s in the modern NHL, it is unlikely another team will offer Marchand a sheet. Despite the need for a top-line centre, the Leafs did not tend an offer to Stephen Stamkos, who waited several weeks to reach an agreement with the Lightning forward. The Leafs, Rangers, and re-tooled Flyers could all use a physical winger with a scoring touch, but none of them have made Marchand an offer.

Kris Draper retired this week after 20 weeks in the NHL. Draper began his career in Winnipeg with the original Jets franchise but was traded to the Wings for only $1 because the Jets did not have a place for him in their lineup. The physical forward scored only 161 goals in his career but used his checking and net-drive to influence play on both ends. Playing on the “Grind Line” with Kirk Maltby and Darren McCarty, Draper helped the Winged Wheels win Cups in 1997, 1998, and 2002.

Nikolai Khabibulan dropped his appeal of a February 2010 DUI charge, in which he was clocked doing 70 in a 45 mph zone outside of Phoenix, AZ and registered a breathalyzer of double the legal limit. He was sentenced to 30 days in jail land will spend half his time on house arrest. By dropping the appeal, Khabibulan ensured he will be ready to suit up for training camp in September. Kudos for taking responsibility and doing the right thing.