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Around the Boards: HNIC Hotstove, Blues Interested in Staal? Stars and Flyers monitoring each other, Burke’s Options
Mark Easson
Hockey Night in Canada’s Hotstove Video: LeBrun mentions in the Hotstove that if the Thrashers don’t have Kovalchuk signed to the extension in the next month, they’ll probably look at trading him.
Whispers around the league that the St. Louis Blues are interested in Eric Staal and his $8.25 million cap hit (thru 2015-16). Staal has struggled this season and missed some time due to injury. The Blues have plenty of assests to send the other way, such as Alex Pietrangelo, David Perron, and Ian Cole just to name a few.
The Panthers should have new ownership soon, and their GM is shopping their number 1 goalie, Tomas Vokoun and his $5.7 million cap hit.
Matt Stajan might be on the move before the Trade Deadline. Though Burke may not want to mess with the chemistry he’s had lately with Phil Kessel. Still he’s never lived up to the expectations in Toronto.
The Flyers and Stars have apparently been keeping an eye on each other. The Stars are battling for the last playoff spot, and the Flyers have plumetted to the basement of the Eastern Conference. The Stars would like a top 6 forward, maybe Danny Briere (might not waive his no movement clause). The Flyers have interest in 2010 UFA goalie, Marty Turco. I don’t see the Stars moving Turco until they are completely out of it. Jeff Carter’s name may also start appearing in trade talks.
Brian Burke has tried to get Peter Mueller out of Phoenix, but he doesn’t have the assests to do it.
Michael Traikos of the National Post: Brian Burke Christmas no trade deadline has passed with no moves, but with the teams recent good play, he finds himself in a bit of situation. Does he trade any of his 10 UFA’s and 5 RFA’s between now and the deadline, or does he play out the season and see what happens. Traikos thinks the Leafs could probably get a 2nd round pick for each of the following FAs, Ponikarovsky, Stajan, Kulemin, White and Toskala. I don’t see any team offering a 2nd a round pick for Toskala. Of those 5 mentioned, I think only Ponikarovsky, Kulemin and White will be back.