- Michael Russo via twitter: Russo is hearing that the Panthers could be signing John Madden tomorrow. George Richards via twitter: Panthers say a John Madden announcement is not forthcoming. Panthers assistant coach Craig Ramsay said that Madden will really help the Panthers with face-offs and other intangibles. Panthers GM Dale Tallon said they are talking with John Madden but nothing has happened yet. Tallon on Madden: “We don’t know how long that’s going to take and when we’re getting some other guys back.”
- Josh Rimer via twitter: “I will once again say that Eric Staal is NOT being Traded. He is the Franchise!”
- Nick Cotsonika via twitter: Cotsonika spoke with a GM who anticipates trades to happen early in the new year. The bigger trades happened well before the trade deadline last year.
- Pens Inside Scoop via twitter: Penguins coach Dan Bylsma said that Sidney Crosby still has symptoms. He’s doing light exercises. Defenseman Kris Letang is feeling better.
- Sean Fitz-Gerald via twitter: Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford said there is still no timeline on Jeff Skinner’s return. Chip Alexander via twitter: Joni Pitkanen has not been cleared for any physical activity.
- Paul Hendricks via twitter: Maple Leafs forward Mathew Lombardi said he’s good to go, just waiting for the nod from coaches.
- Josh Rimer via twitter: Andrei Markov is still not skating. Earliest return may not be until mid-to-late February.
- Jonas Siegel via twitter: Maple Leafs defenseman John-Michael Liles is with the team on their road trip and hopes to skate with them later this week.
- James Murphy via twitter: The Kings have put Simon Gagne on the IR.
- Erik Erlendsson via twitter: Mathieu Garon will start in net for the Lightning against the Canadiens. Matt Gilroy is good to go.
- Fluto Shinzawa via twitter: Tuuka Rask will start in net for the Bruins. Forward Rich Peverley is out.
- Dennis Bernstein via twitter: Expect Jonathan Quick to start for the Kings tonight against the Blackhawks, and Jonathan Bernier to start tomorrow against the Jets. Tracey Myers via twitter: Corey Crawford will start in net for the Blackhawks.
- Mike Heika via twitter: Kari Lehtonen will start in net for the Stars tomorrow. Stephane Robidas and Sheldon Souray are out 10-14 days.
- Michael Russo via twitter: Josh Harding will start in net for the Wild.
- Stephen Whyno via twitter: Martin Biron will start in net for the Rangers against the Capitals. Tomas Vokoun will start in net for the Capitals.
- Tom Gulitti via twitter: Martin Brodeur will start in net for the Devils against the Sabres.