- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Trade talk is picking up.
“There’s definitely more talking going on,” one team executive told ESPN.com Monday night. “Some of the bubble/lower teams have begun to share their lists of players they might move if they fall out of it.”
Salary cap will play a big part this year.
“Because of that, I still think most of the action, like 90 percent of it, happens after the Olympics, closer to March,” said one player agent who has a player or two who likely will be on the move.
Contract talks between the Rangers and Ryan Callahan have not gone well and he could be moved. GM Glen Sather called some teams over the weekend to say Callahan could be available.
Talks between the Sharks and Dan Boyle are ongoing, but a deal may not be close. The Sharks could be worried about the 35+ rule. Boyle may be looking for a two year deal.
Teams have called Maple Leafs about Nazem Kadri.
The Penguins will have some decisions to make on their blueline with pending UFAs Brooks Orpik and Matt Niskanen. They have prospects Simon Despres, Brian Dumoulin, Philip Samuelsson and Derrick Pouliot. It wouldn’t be surprising if they moved someone for a winger. LeBrun wonders if any team will calling the Penguins about Kris Letang before the draft. His big contract kicks in next season.
Ray Whitney may welcome a trade if the Stars fall out of the race.
- TSN Insider Trading: Dreger: the Rangers are gauging interest on Ryan Callahan, and less so on Dan Girardi. The Rangers may be more confident in re-signing Girardi, though he’s getting a lot of interest. Bob McKenzie: If the Rangers don’t re-sign one or both, they could trade one or both. Even though they are in the playoff race, the Rangers realize they are not a contender and don’t want to let them walk for nothing. Girardi may be looking for a seven year deal in the Jay Bouwmeester ranger, $5.4 million. Callahan is looking for a seven year deal in the $6 million range.
Bob McKenzie: there has been some interest in Ryan Miller. The Wild haven’t made an offer. They are waiting to see what happens with Josh Harding. The Blues have lukewarm interest in Miller.
Some bubble teams have started sending out lists of players who might be available and to say “If we pull the plug right before the Olympic break, here is the list of players that we’re willing to move.” Those teams are also using the next 10 days to see if they are buyers or sellers.
Dreger thinks there will be at least two outdoor games (Winter and Heritage Classic) next year, maybe four.
- Elliotte Friedman: A $5 million player will cost about $410,000 during the Olympic break. Some owners won’t care about the extra salary to pay out in a pre-Olympic trade, but some might.
Blackhawks Brandon Pirri will lose his waiver exception next season. The Ducks and Peter Holland were in a similar situation and they decided to trade him before they could have lost him for nothing.
Oilers president of hockey operations Kevin Lowe offered to step away from the team, owner Daryl Katz refused.
The Blues were interested in Thomas Vanek in October, Friedman doesn’t see why they would be interested now.
Erik Cole’s agent is denying his client wants out of Dallas.
Interest in Ray Whitney will likely pick up.
Coyotes Derek Morris‘ name has come up recently. He’s a pending UFA and the Coyotes would like some scoring. One problem would that it would leave only Zbynek Michalek as their only veteran right-handed shot.
The Canadiens and Penguins are looking for size.
Many don’t think Sam Gagner is suited to play the wing. There was talk of the Penguins possibly interested.
Anyone that signed post-lockout is not eligible for compliance buyouts.