- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: The Canucks are dealing with a bunch of injuries. They are potential buyers, but don’t plan on giving up high draft picks for short-term help.
Needs: they have been looking for a top-six forward for a while. GM Jim Benning is focusing on a hockey deal over acquiring a rental. If they do add a rental, they won’t be giving up much. The Canucks might also be looking for a defenseman. They could include Zack Kassian in a ‘hockey deal,’ but no takers so far. The Canucks haven’t spoken with a team about Shawn Matthias and would prefer to keep him. If he’s needed to complete a deal, they would consider it though.Finances: They have about $950,000 in cap space, which accrues to about $3 million by March 2nd.
- Kevin Kurz of CSN Bay Area: If Antti Niemi’s name is in the rumor mill lately, he wasn’t aware.
“If somebody didn’t mention something, I wouldn’t know,” Niemi told the local media after the pregame skate at American Airlines Center, where he will start later against the Stars. “If you didn’t say anything I wouldn’t know, ya know?”
Niemi added he doesn’t pay attention to trade rumors, but didn’t appear surprised if he’s been mentioned. There haven’t been any talks regarding a contract extension.
- Bruce Garrioch: Don’t think teams have called the Senators about Chris Phillips. If he’s looking to move, the Senators would see if there is a market for him.
- David Pagnotta: There are false reports that the Islanders are trying to trade for Avs Ryan O’Reilly. Very untrue according to league source.
- David Pagnotta: Another false report that the Leafs signed Jonathan Bernier. They haven’t, nor are they close to signing him to an extension.
- Chris Kuc: Kris Versteeg: “When’s the trade deadline?” Andrew Shaw: “Think you’re getting traded?” Versteeg: “I’m always on the block.”
- Andy Strickland: The Blues will have close to $5 million in cap space on face value contract to make a move at the deadline if they want.
