- Kevin Allen of the USA Today: Allen thinks that Cam Barker ($3.083 million) and Brent Sopel ($2.333 million) may be 2 players the Blackhawks trade to clear up cap space. Versteeg and Byfuglien may be in play after/if the 2 others could be moved. Campbell is probably too hard to move, without taking back a large salary in return.
- Kevin McGran of the Toronto Star: After another heart breaking lost last night, Brian Burke will continue to look for anything to shake up his team. The article names 4 players (Blake, Kulemin, Grabovski, and Exelby) but I’m sure you could expand that list to include at least 15 names.
“Looking at trade options,” Burke said. “If that fails, I will start shipping money to the minors.”
Burke said there was no hard time frame for the moves, but given the team has 12 points in its first 20 games– tying their fifth-worst start in franchise history – sooner is more likely than later.
- Stephen Harris of the Boston Herald: More on the Marc Savard talks. The deal they are working on is believed to be worth between $5-6 million for at least 5 years. Savard was reportedly offered a 3 year deal worth $6.5 million earlier on in the season, but he turned it down as he was looking for a long term deal.
- Paul Waldie of the Globe and Mail: According to documents filed to the Arizona bankruptcy court, the Phoenix Coyotes lost $5 million in October. The Coyotes have lost $15.9 million since July 1st, and are on pace to lose $50 million this year. I wonder if Bettman thinks the Coyotes can still work in Phoenix. In another attempt to get some butts in the seats (averaging 9,736 a game), they are now offering lower seats for several games for $25 a piece.
- Craig Custance of the Sporting News: UFA Marek Malik has been contacted by an NHL team, as well as several in Europe. ‘Puck Prospectus’ via ESPN, thinks is might be the Thrashers who want to sign him. Hendrick’s Hockey says that the Thrashers and Coyotes are interested.
- Jason Botchford of the Vancouver Province: Daniel Sedin is saying he won’t return until Sunday, but there is a chance he returns tonight. Pavol Demitra is getting close to returning, but no date has been set.
- Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: The Pens might have Brooks Orpik back in the lineup tomorrow night against Atlanta or on Monday against Florida.
- Rich Chere of the Star-Ledger: Dainius Zubrus might have fractured his right leg blocking a Kevin Klein slap shot. The broke his shin guard. He’ll be evaluated today.