James Mirtle: Was told early in weekend that Leafs would settle in $3.25-million range. Same source said Franson would then be dealt, so we’ll see.
CBC: Montreal, looking for size up front, asked the Leafs about Joffrey Lupul. It sounds like the Maple Leafs will keep him. Can you replace a 25-goal scorer for $5.25 million, his current cap hit? That’s a good number.
Columbus Dispatch: The Columbus Blue Jackets and Ryan Johansen are still far apart in contract talks. A source saying that Johansen’s camp recently sent a second contract offer to the Blue Jackets, a two-year deal.
Chicago Sun-Times: The Chicago Blackhawks will be either $1.3 mil or $2.2 mil over the salary cap depending on whether Teuvo Teravainen is given a roster spot. GM Stan Bowman doesn’t appear to be worried. Trade talk usually picks up in September.
