Hossa will test the free agent market

Marian Hossa is headed for the unrestricted free agent market on July 1st.

“He’s waited a long time for this opportunity to see what’s out there, despite having a phenomenal experience in Pittsburgh,” Hossa’s agent Ritch Winter told Sportsnet.ca.

Pittsburgh GM Ray Shero says his club has made a fair offer to the star winger, but Hossa would like to test the market before accepting a deal with the Penguins.

“They tell me we’re his first choice, but I believe he’s going to go to July 1st just to see what’s available,” Shero said at the end of the NHL Entry Draft in Ottawa.

Penguins Roberts will play in Game 2

Roberts was visibly upset after Penguins head coach Michel Therrien told him he wouldn’t be in the lineup for the opening game Saturday night.

“Obviously, I’m not happy about it but I’m going to let Mike talk about why I’m not playing,” Roberts told the Canadian Press.

Staals will attend grandfather’s funeral

HALIFAX — Eric Staal has left the Canadian team at the IIHF World Hockey Championship after the death of his grandfather.

He travelled back to Thunder Bay, Ont., today and will attend the funeral Wednesday.

Quenneville will not return as Avs coach

DENVER — The Colorado Avalanche want to play a faster, more attacking brand of hockey, similar to the style that brought them two Stanley Cup titles.

Now, they’re looking for a coach who fits that description.