Scouting the Montreal Canadiens and Colorado Avalanche game …
Stu Cowan: Scouts listed to attend last night’s Canadiens – Avs games: Chicago Blackhawks, Colorado Avalanche, New York Islanders, Carolina Hurricanes, Nashville Predators, San Jose Sharks, Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils.
On the Vancouver Canucks …
TSN Radio Vancouver: Canucks GM Jim Benning says again that he won’t ask players to waive their no-trade clauses even if they are out of the playoff race.
On the Colorado Avalanche and Buffalo Sabres …
Sportsnet: Hockey Night in Canada headlines – Elliotte Friedman. Jarome Iginla told Adrian Dater earlier in an interview that he wouldn’t waive his no trade clause last year, but this year he might consider it. If he does want to be traded, the Avalanche will search the market to see if any contenders are interested.
Friedman said that the Buffalo Sabres are getting calls on Zemgus Girgensons, but they are telling teams that they won’t be selling low on him as they still believe in him.
Kypreos said that the Maple Leafs don’t have a contract waiting for Karri Ramo as they still want to see what he can do.
On the Arizona Coyotes, Tampa Bay Lightning, New York Islanders, Colorado Avalanche, San Jose Sharks and Chicago Blackhawks …
Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: December 19th is the start of the NHL’s holiday roster freeze. Arizona Coyotes pending unrestricted free agents Martin Hanzal, Radim Vrbata, Ryan White and defenceman Michael Stone are already floating around the trade market.
Tampa Bay Lightning coach Jon Cooper could be on the hot seat as they were five points out of the playoffs heading into the weekend.
It doesn’t look like New York Islanders goaltender Jaroslav Halak will be traded anytime soon.
Have been told that Colorado Avalanche GM Joe Sakic is willing to make moves. Sakic may be willing to talk trade about anyone not named Nathan MacKinnon. Maybe in their best interest to bottom out and get a high pick. They should look to move Semyon Varlamov.
Shane Doan has never wanted to leave the Coyotes, would be be willing to this year? The Sharks have been long rumored for having interest in Doan.
Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman has been working the phones for a veteran forward. There may not be many available at this point.