- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: The Sharks will be getting Douglas Murray and Martin Havlat back before the playoffs. Talks between them and the Blue Jackets for Rick Nash hit a roadblock when the Sharks refused to include Logan Couture. The Sharks did inquire about James van Riemsdyk. The Stars received about “12 to 14” inquires over the past couple weeks for Steve Ott. The Canucks were offering Mason Raymond, but that wasn’t enough. The Stars were not going to trade Ott for picks or prospects. Burke didn’t trade any of his players for 1st round picks as he didn’t want to send the message to his players that they were giving up on the playoffs. The Capitals took calls on Roman Hamrlik but didn’t find a fit. The Red Wings looked at Paul Gaustad but didn’t have a 1st.
- Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson said he’ll continue to try and trade Rick Nash in the offseason. “This is too important for our franchise and our fans to do a deal that is not in our best interest.” The Rangers made a late offer of Brandon Dubinsky, Tim Erixon, J.T. Miller, Christian Thomas and a 1st round pick. Howson added:
“I’ve had many teams express that they would have a ton more interest in the offseason,”“I just think it was the right thing to do, the truthful thing to do,” Howson said.“We wanted to make sure that everybody understood where everybody was on this issue because it’s a very important issue for our franchise.
“I think things will continue to be amicable between Rick and the organization.”
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: Brooks also noted the Rangers upped their offer to Brandon Dubinsky, Tim Erixon, J.T. Miller, Christian Thomas and a 1st round pick. Howson was after Brandon Dubinsky, Ryan McDonagh or Michael Del Zotto, Derek Stepan or Carl Hagelin, Chris Kreider, and a 1st round pick.
- George Richards of the Miami Herald: Panthers GM Dale Tallon said he didn’t come close to making a deal. There was talk that they might move pending UFA defenseman Jason Garrison, but decided against it.
“We made a lot of phone calls and identified what we wanted to add to our lineup,’’ Tallon said. “We couldn’t get what we wanted without mortgaging our future. There just wasn’t a lot of activity. … I’m happy with our team. We improved it. We’re going to stay with the team that has 70 points, is in first place and is battling for a playoff spot.’’