News: Derek MacKenzie (concussion) re-signed with the Blue Jackets, and his contract will be official once he passes a physical, the Columbus Dispatch's Aaron Portzline reports.
Analysis: Derek MacKenzie missed the last 16 games of the year after suffering a concussion, but it sounds like he is recovering well. Terms of the contract are not yet available. He had 14 points last season and 23 in 2010-11.
News: Chris Bourque was acquired by the Bruins in exchange for Zach Hamill, the Globe and Mail's James Mirtle reports.
Analysis: Chris Bourque lit up the AHL during the 2011-12 season with 93 points in 73 games. He should be ready for the NHL this year, but is not a guarantee to make the Bruins' roster. He doesn't have Zach Hamill's upside, but does have a better track record in the AHL.
News: Zach Hamill was acquired by the Capitals in exchange for Chris Bourque, the Globe and Mail's James Mirtle reports.
Analysis: Zach Hamill was the eighth overall pick in the 2007 NHL Draft, but has not lived up to expectations so far. He scored 43 points (nine goals, 34 assists) in 68 games at the AHL level last season and had one assist in three NHL games with the Bruins. Hamill should compete for a roster spot with the Caps, but could also be headed back to the AHL for further seasoning.
News: Simon Gagne (concussion) was back at practice and a return to the Kings hasn't been ruled out, the Mercury News reports.
Analysis: "Well, we're still playing, so he got an opportunity to practice with us," said coach Darryl Sutter. "You need lots of live ammo. Somebody asked (about Simon Gagne's availability) a week or so ago, and there was no chance then, because he hadn't even skated with the team. All you do is improve your (chances). You go from zero to whatever." Gagne would seem like an unlikely insertion into the lineup given the Kings' run so far this postseason, but he could work his way back into the lineup if the Kings fall behind in the series or one of the regulars sustains an injury.
News: Canucks general manager Mike Gillis reiterated Friday that Roberto Luongo has not asked for a trade, the Vancouver Sun reports.
Analysis: Vancouver coach Alain Vigneault said Roberto Luongo had asked for a trade during an interview Thursday night, but Gillis was quick to deny those claims. Gillis did admit that Luongo is open to a trade and the team would try to move him this summer, so it's all semantics at this point. Expect Luongo to be wearing a new sweater come the fall.
News: Ilya Kovalchuk had five points in the final three games of the Eastern Conference finals, registering a goal in Game 6; he now leads the NHL in playoff scoring.
Analysis: Ilya Kovalchuk snagged four assists over the last three games as well, as he helped guide the Devils to the Stanley Cup Finals. He's been arguably one of the best players in the NHL this postseason and in a position of consideration for the Conn Smythe Trophy. Expect him to be active against the Kings during the Stanley Cup Finals.
News: Stephen Gionta had a goal and two assists in the last two games of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Analysis: Stephen Gionta and his linemates, Steve Bernier and Ryan Carter, gave the Rangers fits in the final two games of the series, posting the opening goal in Games 5 and 6 as well as the winning goal in Game 5. Look for this trio to see close to 10 minutes of ice time per game in the Finals.
News: Martin Brodeur stopped 33 of 35 shots Friday night to help lead the Devils to a 3-2 overtime win over the Rangers and a spot in the Stanley Cup Finals.
Analysis: The 40-year-old netminder has been reborn in these playoffs and looks as good as he's ever been. In 18 playoff games this year, Martin Brodeur has a 12-5 record with a 2.04 GAA and a .923 SV% including one shutout.
News: Adam Henrique scored the game-winning goal at the 1:03 mark of overtime as the Devils downed the Rangers 3-2 on Friday to take the Eastern Conference Finals, four games to two.
Analysis: The rookie center has had a solid playoff run so far with three goals and eight assists in 18 games. Henrqiue and the Devils will square off against the Kings in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals on Wednesday night. Two of Adam Henrique's three goals in the playoffs are overtime winners.
News: Hal Gill had a plate screwed onto his fractured tibia two weeks ago, the Montreal Gazette's Dave Stubbs reports.
Analysis: Hal Gill was on crutches earlier in the week. Gill is set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason, and he is expected to be back to full health at some point during the summer.
