- Ron Wilson via twitter: Wilson says: “Steckel immediately improves our PK. Size is a huge bonus. Faceoffs are going to help bigtime in all areas. Can also help on the wing!”
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: The Maple Leafs are still working the phones after the Steckel trade. They have a surplus of defenseman. Nothing is imminent.
- Josh Rimer via twitter: The Rangers need another defenseman, and could they be looking at Carl Gunnarsson or Mike Komisarek? Cody Franson could be another, he’s not happy being a 7th Dman.
- Randy Sportak of the Calgary Sun: Flames captain Jarome Iginla was back skating with teammates after taking 2 weeks off with a bad back. Iginla said: “We definitely took more time to make sure (it’s 100%) and everything’s been really positive. Hopefully, it’s just a one-off and not an issue down the road.” Iginla is 16 goals away from 500.
- David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: Sharks forward Martin Havlat headed to Cleveland yesterday to have his shoulder examined by his surgeon. If all goes well he’ll get clearance for Saturday’s opener. Tommy Wingels and Jamie McGinn are battling for the last forward spot on the 3rd line with Michal Handzus and Torrey Mitchell.
- Tim Panaccio of CSN Philly: The Flyers have split up the defensive pairing of Kimmo Timonen and Braydon Coburn, who have been together since 2007-08. Timonen is paired with Andrej Meszaros, Coburn with Andeas Lilja. Chris Pronger skates with Matt Carle.
- Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Penguins defenseman Brooks Orpik practiced yesterday but he doesn’t know when he’ll be able to go. The Pens open up at Vancouver, Edmonton and Calgary.
- Chris Kuc of the Chicago Tribune: 2011 2nd round pick, Brandon Saad, signed a 3 year entry level deal, and made the Blackhawks opening roster. He also made the ‘Hawks top line, along side Patrick Sharp and Jonathan Toews.
- Renaud Lavoie via twitter: The Islanders signed Jay Pandolfo to a 1 year, $600,000 deal.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: There is zero chance the Blues make a claim on Sean Avery.
- Tom Gulitti of the Bergon Record: Devils forward Travis Zajac is out of his walking boot and has begun physical therapy. GM Lou Lamoriello said the “worst-case scenario” would have Zajac return “some time after New Year’s.”
- Sam Carchidi via twitter: Flyers GM Paul Holmgren said that Brayden Schenn needs to play some game in the AHL but could be back fairly soon. Schenn has a “B” bonus of $1.265 million this year if he played 25 or more in all 82 games. Dustin Leed via twitter: Capgeek confirms that Schenn’s contract will dip to a $1.7 million cap hit from $3.1 million after 1 day in the minors. Darren Dreger via twitter: 1 AHL game makes his cap hit $1.75 million. He’ll get a $900,000 salary and $850,000 in bonuses. He has a similar “B” bonus next year with a $1.405 payout for all 82 NHL games.