- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Sources are saying the San Jose Sharks are looking into deals for Blue Jackets Rick Nash and Jeff Carter. Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson is still looking to get a 1st round pick, a good roster player, and the top prospect in that organization for Nash. For the Sharks the roster player may be Logan Couture or Joe Pavelski. Carter may cost a 1st round pick and to take on more salary with another player. A source said Nash could cost the Kings Jonathan Bernier or Jack Johnson, Tyler Toffoli and a 1st round pick. The Sabres could start dealing soon, but don’t expect to see Ryan Miller trade. Paul Gaustad and Derek Roy are getting interest. Teams are waiting to see if the Avalanche will become sellers, and if Milan Hejduk will becomes available. If the Capitals become sellers, Mike Knuble might become available, and could get interest from the Rangers, Bruins, Red Wings, and Blackhawks. Capitals defenseman Roman Hamrlik was a healthy scratch and may have interest from the Canucks and Blues. The Oilers and Ales Hemsky have held discussions on a multi-year deal. The Kings, Rangers, Bruins and Sharks may be interested in Hemsky.
- James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail: Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke on TSN Radio yesterday:
“I’m not sure that we’re not going to be in the market before we’re done,” Burke said. “It’s something that we have to at least explore what the price tags are. The fact is we’re losing games because we’re not stopping the puck enough. … We’ve got to get our goaltenders to stop the puck.”
Burke made it clear that he’s looking for immediate help and not prospects. Mirtle lists potential goalies that may be available: Cory Schneider, Jonathan Bernier, Josh Harding, Evgeni Nabokov, Ben Bishop, Curtis Sanford, and Antero Niittymaki.
- Mark Everson of the NY Post: The Devils could use some help on the blueline due to Henrik Tallinder’s and Adam Larsson’s injuries. Travis Zajac’s injury may lead them to look at adding a center. The Devils may not have room in their ‘secret payroll budget’ to fit in Marek Zidlicky’s contract. Canadiens Chris Campoli could be an option. Since the Jets are back in the playoff hunt, Johnny Oduya is likely off the market. Bryan Allen, Jaroslav Spacek and Lubomir Vishnovsky would be expensive to get.
- Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times: Blackhawks Jonathan Toews’ has an upper-body injury and won’t play tonight. Coach Joel Quenneville said he’s day-to-day and they hope he can skate on Friday. Defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson skated for the 4th straight day and could return tonight.
- Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times: Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman is still looking for a top 4 puck moving defenseman, and a veteran forward, preferably a center. He’s said he’d move picks and prospects, and has a tendency to look for players who are not just rentals. Stars Steve Ott and Mike Ribeiro may be available, but their cost could be high. Blackhawks Jimmy Hayes is said to interest teams. The Hawks were said to have interest in Kyle Quincey and Nicklas Grossman before they were dealt. The Leafs could be looking to move Cody Franson or Luke Schenn.
- Kevin McGran via twitter: Burke on TSN Radio “I’m not interested in just making the playoffs and getting my ass kicked. I want to have a parade.”
- Mark Stepneski via twitter: Richard Bachman will start in net tonight for the Stars. Defenseman Sheldon Souray will return, Jamie Benn is doubtful.
- John Down of the Calgary Herald: Flames winger Curtis Glencross and defenseman Derek Smith could return tonight.