- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Things are not well on the Island and they potentially could get worse, LeBrun … “My biggest concern if I were an Islanders fan is what John Tavares and his powerful agent Pat Brisson (Crosby, Toews, Kane) will think once the star forward’s entry-level contract is up in July 2012. Your top priority right now must be to make sure you don’t lose his enthusiasm for wanting to stay in Long Island.” LeBrun thinks that the San Jose Sharks will go after a top 4 defenseman between now and the trade deadline.
- Darren Dreger of TSN: “Oilers’ GM Steve Tambellini insists the rebuild plan will not be altered and he isn’t in the market for a blockbuster trade.” Teams continue to ask about Ales Hemsky. Tambellini is looking to add some grit, a centerman, and a defenseman. They don’t want to deal top prospects for picks.
- ESPN: Avalanche goalie Craig Anderson left last night’s game after the 1st period with a groin injury. Adam Foote was also helped off the ice with a leg injury in the 1st period.
- Jimmy Murphy via twitter: Some internet talk that the Bruins could send down Brad Marchand and/or Jordan Caron when Marc Savard is ready to return, but Murphy thinks Daniel Paille could be the roster casualty.
- Mike Zeisberger of the Toronto Sun: Luca Caputi was returned to the Toronto Marlies. JS Giguere, Colby Armstrong, and Dion Phaneuf skated yesterday before Leafs practice. Ron Wilson said that Armstrong could be back next weekend, still would need to get clearance from doctors. Giguere could be back next week sometimes. Phaneuf is schedule to return mid-December.
- Michael Russo of the Star-Tribune: Guillaume Latendress had 2 surgeries yesterday, one repairing a torn labrum in his hip, the other having a ‘bilateral sports hernia’ repaired. GM Fletcher thinks he’ll be back before the end of the season.
- Katie Strang via twitter: Mike Mottau will likely be out the Islanders lineup for 4 to 6 weeks.
