- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Matheson wonders if the Oilers should consider moving Taylor Hall to center if/when they draft winger Nail Yakupov. Matheson added:
“Realistically, the Oilers won’t trade the No. 1 pick unless they get a top 2 defenceman from another team or one that will grow it into a high-end NHLer.”
The Oilers have to try to sign either Jason Schultz (if he becomes a UFA) or Jason Garrison if he doesn’t re-sign with the Panthers. Some people in Montreal are promoting a Yannick Weber for Linus Omark trade. Matheson doesn’t think the Oilers could get more than a 4th round pick for him.
- Eric Francis of the Calgary Sun: Francis wonders what the Flames could get for Jarome Iginla. Factors that will complicate things are the what the new CBA will be like, one year left at $7 million and the assets the trading team gives the Flames with the potential of getting nothing back if the season is cancelled.
“I wouldn’t take him unless I could get him to extend his contract first,” said one GM, who insisted on remaining anonymous as such talk would clearly be tampering.
“If that would be possible, then he’s worth a top-six forward and a first-round pick.”
“Only a contender would want him, and they are all near the (salary) cap,” said another GM. “Jay would need to take back dough. He could get a good, established player and a first-round pick.”
- Michael Traikos of the National Post: Oilers GM Steve Tambellini said that the 1st overall pick could be available, and you’d have to think Brian Burke has called. The Islanders, drafting 4th, could also be interested in moving up. The Leafs have the 5th overall pick, which the Oilers could use to draft one of the highly rated defenseman. Traikos notes the Leafs could offer Cody Franson or Luke Schenn, a 2nd round pick, a prospect (Nazem Kadri, Joe Colbourne, Carter Ashton) or both.
- Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post Dispatch: Blues goalie Jaroslav Halak left last night’s game with an undisclosed injury in the 2nd period after a collision with teammate Barret Jackman. Andy Strickland via twitter: Strickland was told it was an ankle injury for Halak, though most thought he took a shot to the head. Don’t expect much from the Blues on this.
- Josh Yohe of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Penguins defenseman Matt Niskanen would risk further injury and might play in Game 3 today. An upper-body injury has kept him out of the first 2 games.
- Rich Hammond of the LA Kings Insider: Kings forward Brad Richardson had an appendectomy on Monday, and despite feeling better after a skate yesterday, it’s unlikely he plays today. Kyle Clifford has an upper-body injury and isn’t expected to play today.
- Darren Dreger via twitter: Team Canada is considering adding WHL defenseman Ryan Murray the World Championship. They may add a Canadian defenseman that is playing in Europe.
- Elliotte Friedman via twitter: Canucks coach Vigneault said he has decided on a goalie, but hasn’t told them yet, so won’t tell media.
- Gordon McIntyre of the Vancouver Province: It’s doubtful that Daniel Sedin will return.