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Alain Vigneault is expected to be officially entrenched in The Big Apple by week's end. TSN's Darren Dreger proposes the "Vigneault saga will conclude with his formal introduction as head coach of the New York Rangers on Friday ..."

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With one year left on his current contract and exorbitant demands (alleged) for his next deal, Kris Letang could be on the trade block for the Pittsburgh Penguins. Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune Review argues Ray Shero will move Letang unless the 26-year-old defenseman is willing to accept a yearly salary of around $6 million and limited-trade clause.

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While it's been confirmed that forward Danny Briere will be bought out by the Philadelphia Flyers, the fate of goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov remains up in the air. It was believed that the Flyers wouldn't cut Bryzgalov loose unless they were assured of securing another promising netminder (ie. Jonathan Bernier). Now there's word from the goalie's agent, via the Philadelphia News, that the Flyers intend to move forward with their long-term investment. Apparently GM Paul Holmgren told Ritch Winter that Bryzgalov was one of his "best players" and "not the problem" and would remain in Philly next season.

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Apparently the Colorado Avalanche isn't all that interested in selecting defenseman Seth Jones first overall. So sayeth Joe Sakic, 12 days before the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. According to Adrian Dater of the Denver Post, the Avs are more interested in picking one of Nathan MacKinnon, Jonathan Drouin, or Alexander Barkov.

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It appears the Nashville Predators are keen to sign a backup goaltender this offseason -- one not named Chris Mason. Josh Cooper of the Tennessean reports the Preds have already relayed their willingness to shop around to their current (2012-13) No. 2.

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UPDATE: TSN's Bob McKenzie reports Logan Couture's new five-year deal with the San Jose Sharks includes an average annual salary of $6 million ($30 million total).

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The upper-body issue badgering veteran Marian Hossa doesn't appear to be all that serious. After sitting out Game 3 as a late scratch, Hossa is expected back in the lineup for Wednesday's Game 4 between the Chicago Blackhawks and Boston Bruins. That's the word from Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville, as relayed by ESPN Insider Craig Custance.

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If elite draft prospect Jonathan Drouin gets his wish, the Tampa Bay Lightning will call his name 12 days from now. According to "le journal de montreal", Drouin was more "comfortable" with the Lightning than any other of the 18 NHL teams he met with recently. And the 18-year-old Halifax forward has nothing against playing in the warm Florida sunshine.

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UPDATE: Rumored to have agreed to a four-year deal worth $21 million with the Philadelphia Flyers, defenseman Mark Streit appears poised to finish out his playing career in Pennsylvania. However, as outlined by Tim Panaccio, the Flyers can't discuss the agreement until there's the required 2013-14 cap space available. As it stands, Streit's deal would put the Flyers nearly $8 million over next season's $64.3-million cap -- more than the 10 percent overflow allowed during the summer. And while defenseman Chris Pronger ($4.94 million) is once again headed for LTIR, and Danny Briere ($6.5 million) is poised to be bought out, Panaccio insists we can't count on a buyout for goalie Ilya Bryzgalov quite yet.

"... The Flyers can't buy Bryzgalov out unless they have a concrete trade agreement for a goalie prior to issuing the buyout ... The club is prepared to trade another player if they can’t exercise a second buyout on Bryzgalov. 'It depends on circumstances,' a source said ..."

The Flyers are believed to be very interested in trading for Jonathan Bernier of the Los Angeles Kings.

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UPDATE: As reported by the Calgary Sun, the Calgary Flames confirm they are looking to expand their hockey operations department, and Brendan Shanahan is one potential candidate. But Flames president and CEO Ken King insists the organization is looking to grow the front office, and any such hire won't serve as replacement for himself or current GM Jay Feaster.

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Feel free to add the New York Islanders to the list of teams interested in dealing for Los Angeles Kings goalie Jonathan Bernier. According to Newsday's Arthur Staple, it's believed Islanders GM Garth Snow has had "preliminary conversations" with Kings GM Dean Lombardi about a potential trade. Even though the Isles are thought to be "relatively close" to agreeing to a new deal for veteran Evgeni Nabokov, Staple suggests a prospect/draft pick combo pack could secure the 24-year-old RFA-to-be in Long Island.

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From the mathematical angle, such a move would make good sense. With only $2.4 million in salary cap space and five roster spots to fill, using a compliance buyout on Vincent Lecavalier would create a great deal ($7.73 million) of extra breathing room for the Tampa Bay Lightning. As discussed by Damian Cristodero of the Tampa Bay Times, Lecavalier himself is aware the club could go in that direction.

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Don't expect any Drew Doughty-like drama (circa 2011) in regards to the Los Angeles Kings negotiating an extension with Slava Voynov this summer. David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period reports the Kings and young RFA-to-be defenseman should have a fresh deal in place soon.

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UPDATE: As anticipated, the Detroit Red Wings and Pavel Datsyuk have agreed to a three-year extension for 2014-15 and beyond. Datsyuk tweeted as much himself Tuesday morning.

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