Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The New York Islanders are looking to add a veteran winger for John Tavares before the Christmas roster freeze next Sunday, Tampa’s Simon Gagne could be one option. Kevin Bieksa will likely be dealt before the trade deadline, and the San Jose Sharks are looking for a defenseman (I don’t see how the Canucks could send Bieksa to the Sharks when it’s very possible they could face each other in the Conference finals). Still whispers that Bruce Boudreau’s job may not be safe despite being 2nd in the conference. Panthers goalie Tomas Vokoun could be traded for draft picks, Dale Tallon will be looking for a 1st round pick, the Lightning could be interested. The NY Rangers are looking to move Alexander Frolov to anyone. The Atlanta Thrashers were also interested in Marco Sturm. The Canadiens and Leafs could be interested in Jamie Langenbrunner.
Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The St. Louis Blues may have an interest in Ottawa Senators forward Alexei Kovalev. The Blues are without David Perron, Andy McDonald and TJ Oshie, but can’t make a move until their ownership situation is settled, may not be until the new year.
Boston Herald: Marco Sturm has been traded to the Los Angeles Kings for future considerations, contingent on him passing a physical.
Jimmy Murphy via twitter: Murphy could see the St. Louis Blues and the Boston Bruins making a trade, as the Blues have some defenseman to offer.
Bob McKenzie via twitter: There could be more validity to the report that Jordan Staal re-broke his hand. Bob McKenzie via twitter: More should be known on Monday if there was a setback on Staal’s hand, there were denials of the re-break and talk of “calcification” issues.
Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Gazette: Evgeni Malkin missed his 4th consecutive game on Saturday but may be ready to return on Tuesday against the Flyers, or Wedensday against the Rangers.
Renaud Lavoie of the RDS: With Andrei Markov being out for the season, the Canadiens will now have some extra cash, and could look to Brad Richards. Richard’s first choice is to remain in Dallas but he may have to look elsewhere. He is from nearby Prince Edward Island.
Scott Cruickshank of the Calgary Herald: Calgary Flames coach Brett Sutter is on the hot seat. “But, make no mistake, it’s coming. It has to, doesn’t it? And perhaps the Flames will end up making the right move.” The Herald did a poll last week in a live chat asking who was to blame, Brett didn’t receive one vote, GM Darryl Sutter had 84% of the votes. Team president Ken King and their scouts each had 8%.
Dave Hutchinson of the Star-Ledger: John MacLean’s tenure as the New Jersey Devils coach could be coming to end soon. They are 8-19-2 and have lost 9 of 12. “At this rate, it’ll be tough for MacLean to hold onto his job, although general manager Lou Lamoriello seems to be giving him every opportunity to lead his team out of this debilitating slump, one that could crush the Devils’ playoff hopes before Christmas.”
