On the New Jersey Devils …
- Rich Chere of NJ.com: Looking at what Devils GM Ray Shero should do in 2016.
- 1. Make the right decision before the trade deadline – will be tempted to trade players like Lee Stempniak and a few others for draft picks, but if they are in the playoff race, will they look to add?
- 2. Sign Kyle Palmieri to a long-term contract – the pending RFA will be looking for a big raise from his $1.6 million salary.
- 3. Accurately assess Eric Gelinas – need to decide if he has to many weakness and should be moved while he has a relatively high trade value or if his potential is high enough and it would be a mistake to trade him.
- 4. Determine the future of Patrik Elias – owe it to him to see if he can still have role with the team. Does Shero offer him another contract for next year?
- 5. Add a goal-scorer – they need another scorer, someone from within the organization, free agency or through a trade.
On the Edmonton Oilers …
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The Oilers returned Nikita Nikitin to the AHL. The Oilers were hoping a team had seen enough of him during his recent recall to want to trade for him. There were no takers. They will continue to look to move him and his $4.5 million salary.
On the Columbus Blue Jackets ..
- Aaron Portzline: Manny Malhotra is on a tryout with the Blue Jackets farm team (was loaned to Team Canada Spengler Cup team) has only one assist in eight games – unlikely he gets a contract from the Blue Jackets.
- Aaron Portzline: Jan Hedja is also on a tryout with Lake Erie. He has one assist and is a minus 2 in six game. The Blue Jackets could use some help on the blueline, but the question is, is he better than what they already have?