- Mike Harrington of the Buffalo News: Sabres defenseman Jordan Leopold on the trade deadline:
“It’s changed a lot over the years as far as the access to blogs, rumors, Twitter, television tickers on the bottom of the page,” said Leopold. “The whole thing has just evolved into a social media circus. You start reading all that stuff and start believing it, you never know.
“It’s absolutely crazy at that this time of year. As a player, the best thing you can do is not read any of that stuff.”
Paul Gaustad might be one of the better rental players out there. He’s 7th in faceoffs, can kill penalties and can handle the other teams top line. He carries a $2.5 million cap hit, with the new team only paying $497,000 of his salary. Brad Boyes and Derek Roy each have a year left on their deals but could be moved.
- Kevin Allen of USA Today: Allen list 10 players that are being discussed: 1. Rick Nash 2. Tuomo Ruutu 3. Jaroslav Spacek 4. Johnny Oduya 5. Ales Hemsky 6. Jonathan Bernier 7. Jeff Carter 8. Samuel Pahlsson 9. Travis Moen 10. Marek Zidlicky.
- Toronto Sun: Kings GM Dean Lombardi could be on the hotseat if the Kings fail to make the playoffs. The Kings may pick up at least one of Rick Nash, Jeff Carter and Ales Hemsky. Jonathan Bernier would likely be a major piece in any Nash or Carter deal, with Jack Johnson a possibility as well. The goalie market for the Maple Leafs may be more lucrative in the summer. Islanders defenseman Mark Eaton has asked for a trade.
- Tim Panaccio via twitter: Speculation out of Denver has the Avalanche asking about James van Riemsdyk. 2 sources are saying that the Flyers are NOT entertaining advances from the Avalanche for James van Riemsdyk.
- Josh Yohe via twitter: Yohe will be surprised if the Penguins make a significant move, but maybe a rental player.
- Marc Narducci of the Philadelphia Daily News: Newly acquired defenseman Pavel Kubina is already talking about staying in Philadelphia beyond this season. “If I play well for this team and they want me, I don’t want to go anywhere and test the water,” he said. “That is the way I am and hopefully, it will go that way.”
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Injured Stars Jamie Benn and Sheldon Souray both practiced yesterday but won’t be ready for tonight. Thursday against Chicago is a possibility. Kari Lehtonen is expected to get the start tonight.
- Luke DeCock via twitter: Scouting the Hurricanes-Capitals game last night: Red Wings, Canucks and Blue Jackets.
- Dirk Hoag via twitter: The Predators have extended the contracts for David Poile and Paul Fenton.