* Pittsburgh Penguins manager Ray Shero is still engaging in discussions with pending-unrestricted free-agent forwards Matt Cooke and Pascal Dupuis. Cooke's agent, Pat Morris, told Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that discussions are still ongoing with Shero. Dupuis' agent, Allan Walsh, said the same thing to Pierre LeBrun of ESPN.
The hope is for discussions to conclude in a deal prior to the start of free agency on July 5. Many believe both players are looking for three-year contracts, which is something Shero has been hesitant to give to players past the age of 30. This could especially be true given the three-year contract extension given to Chris Kunitz last week. While Shero made an exception for Kunitz, it remains to be seen whether he would be willing to do so for two more players.
* Defenseman Rob Scuderi is still focused on coming to terms on a contract extension with the Los Angeles Kings. He presently has no plans to engage in discussions with the Penguins prior to free agency opening on Friday, according to Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
* The Detroit Red Wings are reportedly out of the Vincent Lecavalier sweepstakes, according to Ansar Khan of MLive.com. However, the team is still interested in forwards on the free-agent market, as they are expected to pursue Derek Roy, Matt Cullen, Mike Ribeiro and Stephen Weiss.
* Pending-unrestricted free agent Jesse Joensuu will not return to the New York Islanders, according to Arthur Staple of Newsday.
* The Minnesota Wild are not expected to retain Cullen, according to Michael Russo of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. In addition, Tom Gilbert might be extended a compliance buyout.