Eric Duhatschek of the Globe and Mail: The countdown for the Olympic roster freeze has begun (Feb. 12th, 3pm), so GM’s have a few days to go over their plan B’s (well for those of who were interested in Kovalchuk), which of course is headed by Ray Whitney. Cam Ward is getting an MRI done on his back, and if the results are not good, he could be shut down for the year.
Tim Sassone of the Daily Herald: The Blackhawks might be talking to Anaheim about George Parros. They also have inquired about James Wisniewski.
Steve Simmons from the Ottawa Sun: The Maple Leafs have tried to include Jeff Finger in almost all their trade talks, with no success. This should come as no surprise as he still has 2 years left at a $3.5 mill cap number. He could find himself in the minors or being bought out.
Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Stars GM Joe Nieuwendyk has plenty of goaltending options to consider. He can keep his goalies for the remainder of the season, and hope that Marty Turco can return to his prior form. He can trade Turco and bring in another goalie. Tim Thomas could be on the market (see yesterday mornings post). Cory Schneider is buried in the minors, with no hope of overtaking Roberto Luongo in Vancouver. Jaroslav Halak might be available. Kari Lehtonen is also available.
Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: The Atlanta Thrashers have recalled Kari Lehtonen from his 2 week conditioning stinct. Lehtonen allowed 11 goals on 109 shots (.899 save %), with a GAA of 2.67. Let the trade rumors begin as the Thrashers now have 3 NHL capable goalies on their roster.
Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: Tomas Holmstrom and Drew Miller left Saturday’s game with an injury, but both are expected to play on Tuesday. Niklas Kronwall might be ready to go as well, the same with Johan Franzen.
