Some quick notes from the NHL on TSN on Sunday:
Backstrom Contract Negotiations
The timing is perfect for an update on Washington's Nicklas Backstrom.
I spoke to his agent, Marc Levine, today and he said that the discussions for a new contract are ongoing, and there really isn't anything new. Look, the only deadline where Backstrom is concerned about with the Capitals is July 1. He definitely wants to stay with the Washington Capitals, but Levine wouldn't talk about any framework for a deal.
He wouldn't talk about the term or the type of money, but there is widespread speculation that this is going to be six-plus years at $6 million, or $6-plus million.
What may affect him is the fact that the salary cap has remained reasonably stagnant over the past couple of seasons, so you don't have that "high end" type of signing that you used to see in Malkin, Crosby, etc. But he's right up there. He might even get signed during the playoffs.
Savard Injury Update
Also, an update on Boston's Marc Savard, who suffered a concussion against Pittsburgh on March 7.
Optimism is growing for the Boston Bruins with their series now tied at one. Obviously, they have to get through the Buffalo Sabres, but Savard has advanced from taking a brisk walk (last week's update) to riding a bike.
So if he can up the level of exertion and he can go through the seven days symptom-free and the protocol that he has to, there's is a strong chance that he will be back if Boston advances.
Be sure to follow TSN NHL Insider Darren Dreger on Twitter at twitter.com/DarrenDreger.