Recruited some help for a rumors post. Below was written by @Dale_Lamontagne
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: The Vancouver Canucks have continued to take a number of calls on forward Ryan Kesler the past few days, but there’s still no clear indication that he’ll be moved before Wednesday’s deadline.The asking price for Kesler is steep… The Canucks want an established NHLer in his 20s, a first-round pick and another Grade A prospect.
The Philadelphia Flyers might be willing to give up Brayden Schenn in a Kesler deal.
The New York Rangers are keeping an eye on the Kesler situation. LeBrun thinks if they can’t re-sign Ryan Callahan, perhaps that will get the Rangers into high gear on the Kesler front. The asking price would likely have to start with Derek Stepan.
The Detroit Red Wings still have not gotten into any player discussion with Vancouver regarding Kesler. LeBrun wonders if GM Ken Holland is lying in the weeds to see how this Kesler situation plays out, or maybe he’s just more focused on a top-four defenseman.
The Red Wings are interested in Buffalo’s Christian Ehrhoff, but that’s changed due to the price tag the Sabres have on him.
Along with Detroit, Philadelphia’s real need is a top-four defenseman. They like Vancouver’s Alexander Edler, but the Canucks aren’t keen on trading him unless it’s a solid offer.
- James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail: Potential Toronto Maple Leafs on the trading block: Dave Bolland, James Reimer, Nikolai Kulemin, Mason Raymond, Jake Gardiner and Nazem Kadri.Contract talks with Bolland aren’t going so well, and according to reports Bolland is seeking a seven or eight year deal, in the neighbourhood of a $5 million a season.
Reimer is stuck in a backup role with how well Jonathan Bernier has played. Reimer will have arbitration rights this upcoming summer, and will be due a raise from his current $1.8 million cap-hit. However, it’s unlikely Reimer is a Leaf beyond this summer.
Both Kulemin and Raymond will be seeking raises in the summer, and that makes it unlikely both will be back in Toronto.
Gardiner and Kadri names keep surfacing in the rumour mill. Dave Nonis will need to land quite an asset to justify trading either player.
- Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune: The best possible trade deadline acquisition for the Tampa Bay Lightning will likely come from within the organization, as Steven Stamkos is expected to return as early as Thursday. Stamkos will have his next checkup on Wednesday.
‘’Obviously we are thrilled and hoping he comes back,’’ Yzerman said of Stamkos. “But any opportunity you have to improve your team, you look at it. So, getting Stammer back (helps) and if I could do anything that would improve the team I would.’’
General Manager Steve Yzerman could be a buyer at the deadline. It’s not exactly a secret the Lightning have been on the lookout for some help on defense, with a top four caliber player on the radar screen since the summer.
‘’Generally, teams aren’t trading guys in their prime, or guys with term on their contract who are playing well, for a young player in the minors,” Yzerman said. “You’re not getting an NHL player, a good NHL player, for a kid down the minors; it just doesn’t happen. As part of a bigger package, maybe. So, I’m not opposed the trading a younger player as part of a bigger package.’’
Yzerman has been in Tampa since Sunday with other members of the management staff, assessing the team’s needs and what could be done to address any holes.