- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The Blackhawks have moved Patrick Kane back to wing, which likely means they are back in the market for a 2nd line center. David Bolland is best suited for the 3rd line role and Patrick Sharp is a winger and not a centerman. Couldn’t blame the Blackhawks if they were looking at Oilers Sam Gagner.
- Stephen Harris of the Boston Herald: The Bruins currently about $3.1 million in cap space, and could have a lot more if they put Marc Savard on LTIR. They are looking out for deals, but there is no urgency to change their lineup. They may be cautious spending as they have upcoming UFAs: Chris Kelly, Gregory Campbell, Daniel Paille, Shawn Thornton, Johnny Boychuk and Joe Corvo; as well as RFAs: Tuuka Rask and Benoit Pouliot.
“We’ve got a lot of cap space and we’ve got (long-term injury) space, so we’re in a good position to do something,” Chiarelli said last week. “But we’ve won 12 out of 13 (games). My point is, the timing has to be right and the player has to be right. It’s hard to find the right time, especially when you’ve won 12 out of 13 — and when there really aren’t a lot of players available now.“I’m always looking. I’m not actively seeking a player, but I’m listening to teams and seeing where the market is.”
- David Shoalts of the Globe and Mail: On the Agenda for the Board of Governors meets is realignment, the state of the Coyotes and Blues sales, and their European operations. They will also look at on-ice matter like concussions and the competitive balance within the league. 20 out of 30 votes would be needed to approve new realignment (One 4 conference realignment option can be viewed in yesterday’s post). The BOG will also get a report from Bill Daly on where things are with the NHLPA regarding the CBA that expires next September.
- Mike Chambers of the Denver Post: Avalanche center Paul Stastny suffered a “torso injury” in the 3rd period last night. A better update will happen today at practice.
- Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Blues defenseman Carlo Colaiacovo should be back in the lineup this week. He’s missed the last 8 games with a left hamstring injury.
- Scott Cruickshank of the Calgary Herald: The Flames will likely be going with “organizational depth” along the blueline while Mark Giordano is out. GM Jay Feaster said there is at least 16 teams trying to get a defenseman that could come in and help.
- Mark Masters via twitter: Jonas Gustavsson will start in net for the Maple Leafs tonight. James Reimer will start in net tomorrow against the Devils.