Ed Tait of the Winnipeg Free Press: In the last month, Jets Evander Kane has been rumored to be connected with the Flyers, Bruins, Penguins, Canadiens, Blackhawks, Kings, Senators, Rangers, Oilers and Sabres. Though it may be interesting to see what they could get for him, a counter would be what he could do for the Jets if healthy, focused and playing on the left side of Mark Scheifele and Blake Wheeler. Keeping Kane, would give the Jets two solid left wingers, with Andrew Ladd being the other. The next two left wingers on the Jets depth chart are James Wright and Eric Tangradi.
Mark Lazerus of the Chicago Sun-Times: The Blackhawks have a hole in their No. 2 center slot, and sources are saying that GM Stan Bowman is at least thinking about making a major move at the draft. If the Blackhawks were bring in a big piece like Ryan Kesler, Jason Spezza and Joe Thornton, it could cost a piece of their core, with Patrick Sharp’s name being kicked around the rumor mill. Paul Stastny is another big option if he hits the open market. Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane are expected to massive contract extensions this offseason. They wouldn’t kick in until the following season, but it’s something they’ll need to take into consideration.
Vancouver Canucks: Canucks Trevor Linden on Ryan Kesler: “There’s no timetable there.”
Elliott Pap: Canucks GM Jim Benning: “With Ryan Kesler, we’re trying to make things work for him.”
Rob Mixer: The Flyers told Scott Hartnell that “he was done there” and decided yesterday that he wanted to join the Blue Jackets.
