Finally, a Steve Sullivan update. From the Tennessean… the Preds see Patric Hornqvist as a top-six player next season if Steve Sullivan can't play. Sully is still suffering from back spasms, but will start working out on the ice in hopes that it will soothe things. An update will be made in early June.

Hornqvist, by the way, leads Team Sweden with five goals at the Worlds.

The Preds have not made a contract offer to Dan Ellis, but they are talking. I don't know why they would bring him in, when the likes of Huet, Theodore, Kolzig and even Conklin are all available. Look for Chris Mason to go to the minors next season, as Pekka Rinne is on a one-way contract and would have to clear waivers. Sure, Mason would have to clear waivers, but the Preds would not mind losing his contract. A buyout is also an option.

Nashville expects to begin negotiations with Shea Weber this week.

As expected, Johan Franzen will miss Game 4 tonight.

The Avs signed prospect T.J. Galiardi to an entry-level contract. Galiardi ranks 215 on my fantasy prospects list, but should squeeze into the top 200 with the news. He is two or three years away.

Stu Barnes (head), Jere Lehtinen (leg) will not play tonight. Brenden Morrow (shoulder) will probably play.

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Gary Roberts missed last night's contest with a bout of pneumonia. I'm starting to think his health routine…is not as great as legend has it.

Robert Esche has signed to play with SKA St. Petersburg for $1.8 million next season – so don't expect him back in the NHL.

Joey Tenute has signed to play in Finland next year. He is a long shot prospect for Phoenix.