NHL holiday roster freeze kicks in at midnight tonight and ends at midnight on the 27th.
- Tim Panaccio of CSN Philly: Claude Giroux practiced with the Flyers yesterday in a no contact jersey for the first time since sustaining a concussion. He said his headaches are “pretty much” gone. Giroux is not expected to play until after Christmas, and could miss the Winter Classic.
- Aaron Portzline via twitter: Columbus Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson on Scott Arniel’s coaching status:
“Coaching is not an issue on this team, as to where we are right now.”
“The players have to take it upon themselves to play better. “We’re all struggling through this, players included.”
- Kevin Paul Dupont via twitter: The Maple Leafs are wilting, so expect GM Brian Burke to make a significant deal at the start of January. It’s time for ID “tradeables” on the Leafs roster.
- Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: The Blue Jackets talked with the Coyotes about Kyle Turris, but they couldn’t find a match. It’s likely the Blue Jackets will trade Vinny Prospal at the trade deadline. The 36 year old will be a UFA at the end of the season.
- Darren Dreger of TSN: Before being sent to the Canadiens for Jaroslav Spacek, the Hurricanes were offering a 2nd round pick to anyone willing to take Tomas Kaberle’s contract. If the Canadiens miss the playoffs or are knocked out early, can expect a full organizational review, with GM Pierre Gautier being very vulnerable. A few teams have made strong offers for Maple Leafs defensemen Keith Aulie and Cody Franson. They were “good” offers, but Burke isn’t interested in trading either defenseman at the moment. Burke may use Franson as a “piece” in his “fine tuning.” Aulie may only be dealt if he’s part of a bigger deal. The Devils priority is to re-sign Zach Parise, and he’d only be dealt after Lamoriello has done everything he can to re-sign him. Dreger thinks the Red Wings and Penguins would be as aggressive on Parise as other teams.
- Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer: Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford is still looking to make some trades, and has often brought up dealing a defenseman for a forward.
- Michael Russo via twitter: The Wild have called up Chad Rau and Jed Ortmeyer, placed Casey Wellman on the IR, and sent Cody Almond back to the AHL. The Wild do not expect Mikko Koivu or Pierre-Marc Bouchard to be in the lineup.
- Darren Dreger via twitter: Flames Rene Bourque will have a disciplinary hearing for his hit on Blackhawks Brent Seabrook.
- Dallas Morning News: Richard Bachman is expected to start for the Stars against the Ducks.