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I heard from a top source yesterday on a number of matters:
PLAYOFF INJURIES . . .
Duncan Keith and Jonathan Toews played with fairly significant shoulder injuries (though neither will require surgery).
Marian Hossa played with a back (disc) condition not unlike the one he suffered versus Boston last Spring, but not as serious or debilitating.
Niklas Hjalmarsson, in addition to playing through a fairly serious throat/neck injury, had concussion-like symptoms, and although he passed a test earlier in the playoffs, he failed one immediately after the conclusion of the Kings series. This, in addition to fatigue, might explain his game 7 sleepwalk on the tying goal.
ON RYAN KESLER . . .
The new GM in Vancouver wants to keep Kesler and plans to sell him on the notion of a retooling rather than a rebuild. Nonetheless, the Hawks will inquire. But, regardless, I’m told:
“the Hawks are going to have a new #2 center next season and will look to add size and speed upfront.…
ON SHARP . . .
The Maple Leafs are interested.
ON ODUYA AND LEDDY . . .
Being shopped, unlikely both would be dealt unless a defenseman in coming back.
More as I hear it,
JJ