Mid-May update

Chuck Kobasew and GM Peter Chiarelli spoke for approximately 20 minutes on an afternoon conference call today, touching on the winger's three-year extension and other subjects.

"Chuck had a very good year," Chiarelli said. "He showed us what we expected of him. He scored timely goals. He plays hard all the time. He's a very good forechecker. He's a very good team person. We're happy to have the opportunity to sign him. The way he plays and competes fits into our plan of how we continue to build this team. We're happy to have him for three more years."

Kobasew said both sides were able to come to an agreement fairly easily.

"It's an exciting time to be part of this team with the direction we're going," Kobasew said. "The young guys are playing great. It's something I look forward to contributing to."

* Kobasew said his leg is healing well. "This past week has been real positive," said Kobasew. "I'm walking on it now and just starting rehab. The weird thing with a bone is that once the bone is healed, you can get back to normal things. It's something I shouldn't have to look back on." Kobasew is still wearing an air cast at times, and he'll continue to wear it for another week.

* Chiarelli said he's had "substantive discussions" with RFA Dennis Wideman and UFAs Aaron Ward and Glen Metropolit. Chiarelli said nothing is imminent with any of the players, but hopes to get deals done before July 1. Wideman is eligible for arbitration, but Chiarelli said he'd prefer not to go that route. Chiarelli said he's had preliminary discussions with Mark Stuart's agent and hopes to get to Petteri Nokelainen shortly.

* At this time, Wideman will not undergo surgery to repair a groin injury. "Since the end of the season, he's recovered so well," Chiarelli said. "We determined that rest, recovery, and rehab is best suited for him right now. That's the path we're going to take for now."

* Chiarelli said he has not determined whether to re-sign UFA Alex Auld.

* Chiarelli acknowledged that Tuukka Rask struggled at times against Portland, but noted that it's part of the youngster's development. "It's a growing process for Tuukka," Chiarelli said. "The plans remain the same. He's still the prospect we project him to be. He's going to learn from it."

* Carl Soderberg, according to Chiarelli, will visit Boston sometime this summer, although it's undetermined whether he will participate in the July development camp. "He told us he wants to play in North America next year," Chiarelli said.