* On the clock: Sherry Bassin, Erie Otters managing partner/general manager, has given assistant/goaltending coach Peter Sidorkiewicz an Aug. 1 deadline to decide if he will return next season. Sidorkiewicz has one year left on his three-year contract. But he can pursue other coaching opportunities closer to his Oshawa, Ontario, home, Bassin said. Oshawa, Kingston and Mississauga have openings. “We know if he comes back, he wants to come back,” Bassin said. If Sidorkiewicz doesn’t return, Bassin likely would hire two new coaches – one as coach Robbie Ftorek’s top assistant and the other as a goaltending coach.
* News and notes: Bassin said he hopes to trade suspended defenseman Frank Grzeszczak before training camp begins next month. The final off-season trading period begins Aug. 2. Bassin has received general inquiries from clubs. … Kyle Creasy’s tenure as head trainer has ended after one season. Club officials are interviewing potential replacements. … Forwards Luke Gazdic (Dallas) and Zack Torquato (Detroit) will join forward Justin Hodgman (Minnesota) at the NHL Prospects Tournament, set for Sept. 13-17 in Traverse City, Mich.

– Victor Fernandes