- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Do the Kings need to land Thomas Vanek or Matt Moulson now that the Blues have made a big trade landing Ryan Miller and Steve Ott? Do the Ducks look to add a big defenseman like Tyler Myers? The Duck have two first round picks and two seconds. They could also offer up Kyle Palmeiri, while keeping Emerson Etem and Viktor Fasth. Could the Sharks make a move for Christian Ehrhoff or Andrew MacDonald? Do the Blackhawks try to add David Legwand or Ilya Bryzgalov?
“Ehrhoff could help Dan Boyle on the power play in San Jose, but to get Ehrhoff, you’d have to make a real hockey deal because he’s not unrestricted,” said Button. “He’s attractive, though, because he’s only got $17 million left on his 10-year contract over seven years after this season. His cap hit isn’t bad — $4 million.”
Wild GM Chuck Fletcher is listening to Sabres GM Tim Murray trying to pitch him on Jaroslav Halak.
- The Fourth Period: The Ducks are looking at multiple options and could be willing to give up some of their young talent. Sources saying they are dangling Sami Vatanen as a trade bait, and they could make Devante Smith-Pelly, Kyle Palmieri and Rickard Rakell available. The Ducks have been rumored to have interest in Andrew MacDonald, Ales Hemsky, Matt Moulson, Christian Ehrhoff and others.
- Dan Rosen: Bruins defenseman Adam McQuaid has a hip/groin issue. GM Peter Chiarelli may have to trade for a defenseman if they have to shut him down longer. They do like their young defenseman, but if McQuaid can’t play, they need help. Claude Julien says that he doesn’t need surgery. You can say that the Bruins need defenseman anyways with Dennis Seidenberg out. Finding a Seidenberg placement could be impossible for the Bruins.
- Kevin Kurz: Kurz is wondering if the Sharks are showcasing some players. They have the luxury to do so due to the standings.
- Jim Matheson: If the Avalanche are not able to re-sign center Paul Stastny by Wednesday, he could be one of the top rental players.