- Peter Stastny Audio posted from Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Paul Stastny’s dad is not happy about the Avs-Blues trade from last week.
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: “Nieuwendyk was asked on NHL Live ! about possibly trading Richards”:
“I’ve discussed it with some teams. All options are in play here. It’s certainly not my first choice, I’ve maintained all along that we’d like to keep Brad as a Dallas Star for a long period of time. There’s a lot of uncertainty with our side as far as ownership that are a concern for them. But, all options are open. It’s certainly going to have to be a good type of deal in order to pry him away from us because we are sitting tied for eighth right now and have a lot of home games coming up in March.”
Nick Cotsonika via twitter: Nieuwendyk added that all is quiet on the trade front right now.
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: Nieuwendyk also said that Richards is feeling better but there is no timetable on his return.
- Pierre LeBrun and Scott Burnside of ESPN: LeBrun notes that if Richards does become available, the Kings will definitely be talking with the Stars. The Rangers and Leafs would be interested in him if/when he becomes a free agent, and may need him to sign an extension before they made a trade for him. The Dallas wanted Jack Johnson from the Kings in a deal for James Neal. Ales Hemsky and David Booth are on the Kings wish list. Everyone seems to ask for Brayden Schenn. LeBrun thinks only a sign and trade that nets Richards would include Schenn. Burnside wouldn’t be surprised if Paul Stastny is being shopped around the league. LeBrun adds there has been no talks between the Kings and Avalanche regarding Stastny (as of Tuesday night). Toronto has kicked the tires on John-Michael Lieles. The Rangers are interested in Bryan McCabe but not at a high price. Atlanta may be interested in moving Ron Hainsey, but he has a limited no-trade and 2 years left with a cap hit $4.5 million. Johnny Oduya may also become available if the Thrashers continue to fall out of it. The Hurricanes aren’t shopping Joni Pitkanen, but teams are calling about him.
- Eric Stephens via twitter: Ducks GM Bob Murray said they hope to have Jonas Hiller cleared for practice tomorrow. Helene Elliott via twitter: Ray Emery was called up by the Ducks today, and is expected to be the backup. Anaheim Ducks via twitter: GM Murray, “We hope to have Jonas by the weekend, but is a good time to come up and work with our coaches and shooters.”
- Kevin Allen via twitter: On waivers today are Nikolai Zherdev, Craig Rivet, Marek Svatos, Ales Kotalik (re-entry) and Jeremy Colliton. Pierre LeBrun via twitter: LeBrun doesn’t think the Blackhawks would be interested in Rivet.
- Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times: Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman is looking to add a defenseman who can kill penalties, and it would be a bonus if he was physical. “I think some teams are going to try to hold their guys close to the deadline,” Bowman said. “We don’t necessarily want to wait that long. If we find a guy we’re comfortable with, we’ll make it work.”
- Tom Reed of the Columbus Dispatch: Other teams have initiated trade talks with the Blue Jackets about Steve Mason, and those inquiries may be been made when the team was struggling last month.
- Erik Erlendsson via twitter: Dwayne Roloson will start in net for the Lightning against the Coyotes.