- Damian Cristodero via twitter: Lightning defenseman Pavel Kubina has been asked to provide a list of teams he’d accept a trade too. Kubina has a limited no trade clause. GM Steve Yzerman wouldn’t say if a trade is imminent, but in the interim he won’t play. Yzerman said the trade deadline is a time to replenish their organizational depth. Prospects and draft picks will be a priority. Getting a goalie will likely happen in the summer.
- Michael Russo of the Star Tribune: Sources are saying that Wild defenseman Marek Zidlicky will be scratched from tonight’s game against the Jets. A trade hasn’t been made, but they want to make sure an injury doesn’t occur.
- Craig Custance of ESPN: The Kings are after a scoring winger, and are believed to be interested in Rick Nash. It doesn’t sound like winger Simon Gagne is close to returning. Rick Nash would be a perfect fit. They may have to part with Jack Johnson, Jonathan Bernier and a couple prospects. If they can’t land Nash, Jeff Carter could be another option, reuniting him with Mike Ricahrds.
“Don’t count L.A. out of that mix,” said an NHL source. “They’re looking for a top-six forward big time.”
Ales Hemsky could be another option, but tensions have been little high between the Oilers and Kings from the Ryan Smyth fiasco this past summer. A NHL scout breaks down LA’s trade deadline strategy:
“They’re pretty solid in goal, their defense is steady. They have guys back there with Johnson and Drew Doughty who can provide offense. I can see them wanting to add a Carter-type guy. I think they could use a fourth-line guy too.
“But I think they should go out and get that top two line player. If they’re going to move Jack Johnson, it’s no secret, he’s not the most defensive-minded guy. He brings that offensive upside and he’s still young. If you’re giving him up because you want to get better, you’d better make sure . He has a bomb for a shot, and in the playoffs special teams can win or lose you a game.”
- Bruce Garrioch via twitter: 3 teams are interested in Blue Jackets center Jeff Carter.
- Andy Strickland of True Hockey: Jeremy Roenick recently suggested he’d trade Patrick Kane for a top goaltender. Strickland says the idea of moving Kane as come up, and some realize they need to give up something big to get something big. Offensively they could survive with Jonathan Toews, Patrick Sharp, Marian Hossa, and Dave Bolland. Sources are saying that Miller is unhappy with Buffalo and would waive his no trade clause for Chicago. There had been speculation that he’d only accept a trade to LA or Anaheim to be closer to his wife (actress Noureen DeWulf), but that is inaccurate. Kane is 23 and is owed $6.5 million through 2015. Miller is 31 and is owed $6.25 million through 2014. Ryan Miller hasn’t been approached by anyone in the organization regarding a trade.
- Brian McNally via twitter: Capitals GM George McPhee said he has no interest in trading Mike Knuble.