On the Calgary Flames …
- Wes Gilbertson of the Calgary Sun: The Flames won’t commit just yet if they will be buyers or sellers at the trade deadline.
“Well … you’re always trying to help your team,” Treliving said Friday, the start of the one-month countdown to deadline day. “Some people, coming up to the deadline, just always classify you as either buyers or sellers. I guess there’s a hint of truth to that, but if you can help yourself now and put yourself in a better position for now without hurting your long-term aspirations, then that’s great.”
The Flames have 13 more games before the deadline. Trade chips the Flames could look to move if they decide to sell: Jiri Hudler, Kris Russell, David Jones and Karri Ramo.
On Steven Stamkos …
- Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: If Steven Stamkos wants the most money, he’ll be joining another team. Stamkos’s agent think the open market value for Stamkos is between $11 and $12 million.
On expansion …
- Dan Rosen: Gary Bettman said that if there is going to be expansion, the team(s) will need a year of lead time to start. The 2017-18 season is still possible, but not set in stone.
On the Minnesota Wild …
- Michael Russo of the Star Tribune: The Wild have already traded their second and third round draft picks, which is part of the reason GM Chuck Fletcher says that he prefers to make a “good hockey deal” for a player that would be long-term over short-term.
- The Wild have reportedly talked to the Bruins about pending UFA Loui Eriksson. Unless the Wild were able to shed some future money, Eriksson would be rental. Eriksson is reportedly looking for $6 million a year, a number the Wild are likely not able to afford.
- Russo’s potential top five rental players: 1. Steven Stamkos (TB) 2. Loui Eriksson (BOS) 3. Mikkel Boedker (ARI) 4. Andrew Ladd (WPG) 5. Eric Staal (CAR).