- Mike Chambers of the Denver Post: Avalanche’s P.A. Parenteau was a healthy scratch for the second straight game. He has two more years left at $4 million per. Rumors that the Canadiens may be willing to trade P.K. Subban for Parenteau, prospect(s) and draft picks. Coach Patrick Roy said that Parenteau is not in the doghouse, he just doesn’t want to break up the top lines and that Parenteau doesn’t fit a fourth line role.
- David Staples of the Edmonton Journal: SportsNets Doug MacLean on whether the Oilers should trade Sam Gagner or Nail Yakupov:
“Gagner and Yakupov have really been a real dilemma for this organization. They don’t know what to do with them. -29 for Yakupov. Talented kid. You know he’s going to score a lot of goals in the NHL before he’s done. Gagner, solid, solid. People don’t know if he’s a #2 or a #3 (centre).
“Here’s the problem. You got to stay with these guys. You’re not going to get value (in a trade). It’s disappointing the way they’ve performed, but you are not going to get value. So stay with them.”
It was brought up that the Oilers need to get bigger, tougher. MacLean agreed, but added:
”You bring in complementary guys to play with them. I’ve said it for years. You take their Top Six, and you make it a Top Nine because you fill in with quality 2-way guys. But if you start trading these guys, you are not getting value and you got a disaster on your hands.”
- Craig Custance: Some GMs are more interested in making ‘hockey trades’ and than ‘rental trades.’ Blues Chris Stewart is an intriguing name but he carries a $4.15 million salary cap hit next season.
- Dennis Bernstein: The Kings are looking for a left winger and a defenseman. At this point, they would have to overpay to get either.
Frank Provenzano of ESPN: Potential Sellers: Nashville Predators – David Legwand, Matt Cullen, Colin Wilson and Ryan Ellis. Washington Capitals – Troy Brouwer, Joel Ward, Jason Chimera, Eric Fehr and Martin Erat. Winnipeg Jets – Dustin Byfuglien, Evander Kane, Olli Jokinen and Devin Setoguchi. Potential Buyers: Tampa Bay Lightning – roster depth. Colorado Avalanche – Top-four defenseman. St. Louis Blues – Stanley Cup caliber goalie.
- James Pagnall of the Ottawa Citizen: The Senators have new TV deal in place the could bring in between $20 and $30 million over the next 12 years. Senators owner Eugene Melnyk:
“This puts us on a solid footing,” Melnyk said in reference to the broadcasting deals. “We are going to be competitive in spending on players. If I need to spend an extra $2 million to $3 million (on unrestricted free agents) to make the playoffs, it’s a no-brainer. I’ll do it.”
“We’re still going to spend wisely,” he said, suggesting he does not intend to shell out the maximum permitted under salary cap rules.
“Just because you have extra money in your pocket, doesn’t mean you go out and spend it,” he said. His philosophy of patiently — and inexpensively — developing raw talent remains front and centre in the Senators organization.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Senators president Cyril Leeder on their $400 million broadcaster deal with Bell Media.
“It allows you to get in there and duke it out with the big guys,” Leeder told the Sun. “When you have a strong base of revenues from your corporate partners and your fanbase, that makes you stronger.
“It allows you to compete with (teams like) Toronto, New York and Vancouver.”
The Senators are currently 26th in spending, ahead of only the Flames, Avalanche, Islanders and Panthers.