Attaching Bobby Ryan de-values Erik Karlsson …
Don Brennan: Agree that attaching Bobby Ryan to any Erik Karlsson trade de-values the Senators best trade chip. If the Senators want to get rid of Ryan’s salary cap hit that bad, buy him out in the offseason.
Do the Calgary Flames look to add a goalie?
Eric Francis of the Calgary Sun: Goaltender Mike Smith hasn’t been on the ice for the past three days. GM Brad Treliving has few days decide if they want to add a goaltender before the deadline.
The Flames are in a similar goaltender situation as the Flyers were before they traded for Petr Mrazek.
“I like to reward players and give them a little bit of help,” said Treliving, before adding a telling qualifier, “but it’s a two-way street.”
“It’s how you play that is what has got the GM a little pissed off. You’re looking for some desperation — some recognition of the situation they are in. What am I reading in to how we played against Florida (6-3 loss) and Vegas (7-3 loss)?”
Treliving isn’t a fan of rentals, giving up prospects they’ve tried to develop, and the few draft picks that they have.
Flames sources don’t think Smith’s return is imminent, though Treliving remains optimistic.
Toronto Maple Leafs forward Josh Leivo just wants to play …
Jonas Siegel of The Athletic: Forward Josh Leivo was a healthy scratch for the 51st time this season last night. He requested a trade about three weeks ago.
“No one knows what’s going to happen so I’ve just got to sit and wait and see what’s going on,” said Leivo, the last to leave the ice, alongside Matt Martin, following a Wednesday practice.
Leivo just wants to play and it doesn’t look like that will happen in the near future in Toronto.
His last time in the lineup was December 31st against the Golden Knights.
The Leafs trade Nikita Soshnikov over Leivo which may suggest the Leafs still value him, or that he could be used in a trade package.
Next season forward roster spots will open up as pending free agents James van Riemsdyk, Tyler Bozak and Leo Komarov are not expected to be back.