- Elliotte Friedman of CBC: Kings defenseman Slava Voynov’s solid play in 33 games may have led to Jack Johnson’s name in trade rumors. Jonathan Bernier and one of the 2 defenseman could land them a scorer like Jeff Carter. If they were split up, they may be able to get 2 scorers. Friedman doesn’t think the Blue Jackets will trade Rick Nash at the deadline unless the deal is incredible. Friedman notes there are some teams that aren’t big fans of Nash.
- Will DePaoli of Inside Pittsburgh Sports: The Penguins have $59.59 million committed to 11 forwards, 6 defenseman and 1 goalie. It could become a problems as some small market owners want to lower the salary cap ceiling to the $60-$62 million range. Pierre LeBrun noted a temporary cap of $68-$69 million will be in place during the summer. Paul Martin is one player the Penguins might have to move at some point to reduce their payroll. He has a cap hit of $5 million through 2014-15.
- Helene Elliott of the LA Times: Coyotes GM Don Maloney has the budget room to make a trade or 2. “Any of the big names and sexier deals won’t include the Coyotes but there a couple of players we think we can fit in that would make us a little stronger,” he said. 3 groups remain interested in buying the Coyotes.
- Sean Gordon of the Globe and Mail: The Canadiens are 6 points out in the East, and are limbo between being buyers or sellers. UFAs that could be moved are Chris Campoli, Andrei Kostitsyn, Travis Moen and Mathieu Darche. Defenseman Andrei Markov will travel with the team on their 3 game road trip, who is at least a couple weeks away from returning.
- Aaron Portzline via twitter: The Blue Jackets blueprint going forward will be “Fast and competitive.” Heading into the this season, the Blue Jackets thought they had enough skill to skate 3 scoring lines.
- Bob McKenzie on the NHL Network talking trades