- John Vogl of the Buffalo News: Sabres Steve Ott is a pending UFA and knows his name is out there.
“I told them I want to be here,” Ott said today after practice in the rink at Riverside Park. “We’ll see where it all goes. I am professional enough to know the business side of things and what the situation is here as well. We’ll see how it all plays out in the next two weeks.”
He has had no contract talks with the Sabres.
“I’ve been in this same situation before in my career, and it’s control what you can control,” he said. “That’s going out there and playing as hard as you can. Obviously, it’s great to be wanted, and the rumor stuff continues to float around when anybody’s a UFA. I think it’s just continue to be a professional, go out there and do what you’ve done and everything takes care of itself.”
- Will DePaoli of Inside Pittsburgh Sports: The Penguins are still looking for a top-six forward and would like to improve their third line. They could also be looking at adding a top-six defenseman, and with the high asking price for the top four or five wingers on the market, it may become more of a priority. Penguins management may go on the mindset that Kris Letang won’t be back this season, and if he’s able to return, that will just be a bonus addition. Paul Martin is awaiting tests to determine the extent of his injury, if surgery is needed or not. Jets pending UFA defenseman Mark Stuart may interest the Pens. The Pens may be open to moving one of their top to mid level blueline prospects for an impact defenseman that has term left on his deal.
- The Fourth Period: It has been speculated that the Capitals are looking at Sabres Ryan Miller and that they could package Michal Neuvirth and a 2014 or 2015 first round pick. GM George McPhee is on the lookout for a top-four defenseman and possibly a 2nd-3rd line energy guy. The Caps have shown some interest in Andrew MacDonald.
- Dave Isaac of the Courier Post: Will the Flyers look to make an addition? Some players may not think it is needed, but okay with it if it happens.
“I like our team,” Hartnell said. “We’re playing real strong, focused, determined hockey. If they decide to do something, great, if not, we believe we can win, too.”
“Throughout the year we got better and better. I think the team looks pretty good as it is right now,” said defenseman Mark Streit, a newcomer this season. “That’s up to (general manager Paul Holmgren) and the organization if they feel the need to add a piece. From the chemistry (aspect), I think we have a good atmosphere in the locker room.”
There are currently only maybe five teams that can be said to be out of the playoff picture.
“Thirteen to sixth (place in the Eastern Conference) is six points,” Hartnell added. “You lose three in a row, you’re out. You win three in a row, you’re setting yourself up. The teams that we play are all jockeying for those positions.”
There isn’t a lot of time left for GMs to figure out if they are buyers or sellers. There were only 17 trades last deadline day involving 30 players.