- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: The Post was told that Stars GM Joe Nieuwendyk told the Rangers GM Glen Sather that it would cost 3 young roster players, possibly Marc Staal, Brandon Dubinsky and Derek Stepan for Brad Richards. The Rangers have also inquired about Bryan McCabe and his no-movement clause, his agent said “Nothing has evolved to the point where he has to make any decisions.”
- Ken Warren of the Ottawa Citizen: Chris Phillips still wants to stay in Ottawa and re-sign with the club. But if he doesn’t get a guarantee that he’ll get an extension by the trade deadline, he’ll have to decide if he’d waive his no-trade clause. “Now, being more involved with having to make decisions that effect the outcome is the biggest difference,” said. “Ultimately, I am (in control), when it comes right down to it, but it has been pretty open communication with Bryan. It’s not like we’re having a standoff and see who blinks first. We’re talking about it. Between us and them, it is a collective decision, but I guess I have the final say.”
- Will DePaoli via twitter: The Washington Capitals have shown preliminary interest in Alex Kovalev. Penguins and Lightning also interested.
- Will DePaoli of Inside Pittsburgh Sports: The Penguins are looking at Panthers Cory Stillman and Chris Higgins. The asking price for Higgins was higher than what the Penguins expected.
- Bruce Garrioch via twitter: The Penguins may have interest in Panthers winger Cory Stillman.
- Darren Dreger via twitter: Some league executives believe Brian Burke may have a deal in place for a defenseman. Brian Huddle via twitter: reports that Dreger said on the radio that it may be for John-Michael Liles.
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: Brian Burke in email regarding Kessel being shopped rumors, “No. He has not, and will not, be shopped.”
- Bob McKenzie via twitter: Bryan McCabe would rather stay in Florida, but has been told that he likely won’t be back next year. There is lots of interest in him, but remains to been seen if he’ll waive his no-trade.
- Dennis Bernstein via twitter: Red Wings GM Ken Holland said they have nothing on the front burner.
- Randy Sportak of the Calgary Sun: Flames GM Jay Feaster said he doesn’t want to trade anyone from their roster as he doesn’t want to disrupt the chemistry of the room.
- James Gordon via twitter: Scouts at last night’s Ottawa-Florida game: Penguins, Kings, Canucks, Rangers, Canadians, Lightning, Coyotes and Blackhawks.
- Chris Vivlamore via twitter: Scouts at last night’s Atlanta-Buffalo game: Canucks, Sharks, Blackhawks, Leafs, Wild, Canadiens, Rangers, Blue Jackets, Senators, Blues, Stars, Hurricanes and Oilers.