In The Crease

There's no shortage of suitors for 21-year-old defenseman Mike Van Ryn, who was declared an unrestricted free agent by an arbitrator last week. Don't be surprised if Van Ryn, who was drafted by the Devils two years ago but failed to sign a pro contract, considers playing for the Blues. St. Louis needs another defenseman, and Van Ryn might want to learn beside Norris Trophy winners Chris Pronger and Al MacInnis....

The Bruins have been showing a lot of faith in European scout Svenake Svensson. As part of the March 6 deal that sent Raymond Bourque to the Avalanche, Boston asked for and received Swedish forward prospect Samual Pahlsson. Then, in the first round of the draft last Saturday, the Bruins chose two Swedish-born players, defenseman Lars Jonsson (No. 7 pick) and forward Martin Samuelsson (No. 27)....

The Stars' 36-year-old center, Brian Skrudland, who was injured most of last season, may retire and take a front-office position with the Flames....

The Oilers are counting on assistant coach Ted Green, a former NHL defenseman, to help Eric Brewer become the player he was expected to be when the Islanders drafted him fifth overall in 1997. Brewer, who was in and out of the New York lineup the last two seasons before being acquired by Edmonton on Saturday, needs confidence and must learn the fundamentals of playing defense.