Morning Rumors IV: Flyers, Bruins, Jets, Coyotes, Canucks, Rangers, Leafs, Isles Sabres, Blues and Wild
  • Tim Panaccio of CSN Philly: The Flyers could use an impact defenseman.

    “I like the way our defense has played,” general manager Paul Holmgren said on Monday. “I know it’s not a sexy defense.

    “Is there a Bobby Orr out there we can get? Probably not. Our defense has played pretty good as a group, overall. Could we improve it? I don’t know.”

    Potential defenseman could be: Andrew MacDonald, Dustin Byfuglien, Trevor Daley, Nick Schultz and Dennis Wideman. GM Paul Holmgren did talk trade with some GMs during the Olympics, but many were at the Olympics and hard to get a hold of.

  • Stephen Harris of the Boston Herald: The Bruins have goaltending prospect Malcolm Subban that they could use as a trade chip. They may not like the idea of using him to acquire a ‘rental’ defenseman though. If they are able to trade for key piece that helps them win the cup, it may not be so bad.
  • Ken Wiebe of the Winnipeg Sun: The Jets have seven pending UFAs and will be getting calls some. They should consider getting some assets back on one or more of those players. The Jets don’t have a second round pick this year and may look to get one back, as well as some prospects or NHL-ready players. Seems unlikely that they make a blockbuster deal. Jets pending UFAs: Olli Jokinen, Mark Stuart, Devin Setoguchi, Chris Thorburn, Al Montoya, Adam Pardy and Zach Redmond.
  • Sarah McLellan of the Arizona Republic: The Coyotes are looking for a top-nine forward, preferably a left winger, but they don’t have a lot of financial flexibility. Any trades would likely have to be money in, money out.

    “There’s nothing imminent,” he said. “I don’t feel like I’m hot on the track of a big deal. I think I’m just like everybody else. I’m looking and searching and kicking a lot of tires and seeing if I can find something that can help us.”

  • TSN Insider Trading: Bob McKenzie: Multiple teams are looking at Alex Edler and Ryan Kesler and are trying to determine if the Canucks would move them. Not many in Vancouver move if they don’t want to as a lot of players have no-movement or no-trade clauses.

    Darren Dreger: 99 percent chance the Ryan Callahan gets traded. The Blues have shown consistent interest in Callahan. The Lightning have also been interested. The Rangers are still talking with Dan Girardi, but if he’s not signed by the deadline, there is a 99 percent chance he’s dealt.

    Bob McKenzie: the Rangers and Callahan’s side did not talk contract over the Olympic break. Regarding Girardi talks, there is a little bit of difference in term and a bit less than $500,000 a year difference in money. Trying to get the deal done.

    Darren Dreger: Maple Leafs Dave Bolland may be looking for more than $5 million a season. The Leafs would prefer something in the $4 million range. If they don’t re-sign him, they could look to trade him as a rental. They would have to make a hockey deal and not a deal for draft picks.

    Darren Dreger: The Maple Leafs need a top-four defenseman and are looking for a top-nine forward. Less interested in adding a rental player.

    Bob McKenzie: Sabres priority is to trade Ryan Miller, despite reports they are trying to re-sign him. GM Tim Murray is basically open to move almost any roster player. Zemgus Girgensons may be the only player he wouldn’t trade.

    Bob McKenzie: As many as six teams have asked about Thomas Vanek, with the Islanders rejecting one offer. At least seven teams have asked about Andrew MacDonald.

    Darren Dreger: Some rumors of a three-team deal between the Blues, Wild and Sabres involving Miller, Jaroslav Halak and Jake Allen.