Jim Jamieson of the Vancouver Province: Canucks assistant GM Laurence Gilman said that with Eddie Lack being out six months, that it won’t have any impact on the Roberto Luongo trade talk. The Canucks will likely now have to get a backup in the trade, or find a free agent. Lack is expected to be Cory Schneider’s backup next season.
The Fourth Period: The Canadiens wouldn’t mind adding a top 6 winger, and could offer up a blueliner to get one. The Wings, Kings, Senators, Wild, Oilers and Hurricanes are teams said to be looking for a defenseman. The Penguins, Flames, Devils and Sabres are also said to be offering up defensemen. Yannick Weber could find himself as the odd man out on the Canadiens blueline.
Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer: Carchidi wonders if Flyers GM Paul Holmgren will be patient and wait for Scott Hartnell’s return in four or five weeks, or will he go after a sniper like Ducks Bobby Ryan? The next two weeks will determine how they proceed. A 48 game schedule doesn’t allow you to wait too long.
Elliotte Friedman of CBC: The Avalanche may be looking for a forward with Ryan O’Reilly still unsigned, Steve Downie out for season and Gabriel Landeskog status uncertain. One GM said on an offer sheet: “If Nashville is going to match that offer to Shea Weber, what the the point of doing one?” Capitals GM George McPhee on Saturday: “We are not looking for help. We’re in no rush to move anybody.” Pierre LeBrun reported that Kings may part with Jonathan Bernier under the right circumstances. ESPNs Craig Custance reported that some teams have interest in Brent Sopel who is playing in the KHL. He’d have to clear waivers first if a team signed him. Friedman thinks that Phil Kessel is perfectly suited to play in Toronto. He doesn’t pay attention to the newspapers, sports radio, etc.
