- Kevin Paul Dupont of the Boston Globe: Trade rumors persist that Maple Leafs GM Dave Nonis may unload Phil Kessel before the April 3rd trade deadline. Dupont says that after three plus years in Toronto, he has convinced many in Toronto that he’s neither a leader nor a core performer. If you put Kessel on a team with a deep lineup with a coach who emphasizes offense, like the Blackhawks or Ducks, he could be a 60, 70 or even an 80 point guy. An ideal Kessel trade would bring the Leafs a franchise center.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Penguins GM Ray Shero is expected to look for a winger and defenseman at the trade deadline. The Pens will likely go after Jarome Iginla to play with Sidney Crosby. The Bruins, Flyers, Stars and Sharks would also be expected to make a trade pitch.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: Maple Leafs defenseman Mike Komisarek gave a list of 12 teams that he’d accept a trade too. Strickland was told that Komisarek wants to plays and would pretty much accept a trade anywhere. Strickland notes that even if the Leafs took back 50% of Komisarek’s salary, there may not be a lineup of teams wanting to take on his contract. A compliance buyout is the most likely scenario.
- Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun: Komisarek has bee a scratch the last 14 games. When asked about the reports that he submitted a list of 12 teams he’d accept a traded to:
“I’m curious to see where you guys get your stuff,” Komisarek said. “We will see how it unfolds. Right now I am just taking it day by day. I’m sure you guys will be the first ones to know. It must be a slow news day.”
Komisarek has a $4.5 million cap hit through next season. Even assuming 50% of his contract, it may not make trading him any easier. John-Michael Liles has been a healthy scratch the past seven games.
- Bucky Gleason of the Buffalo News: Gleason thinks the Sabres should see what the asking price for Jonathan Bernier is. The Kings aren’t in a rush to trade Bernier, but they could use help on their blueline. The Sabres have plenty of defenseman, and should look at life after Ryan Miller. Miller’s contract ends after next season and he may want to test the open market. If they were to trade for Bernier, they could then explore trading Miller. The Bruins and Blues could be among the teams making a trade pitch for Daniel Briere. Briere may not be willing to waive his no-trade clause, but a going to a contender may change that.
