The Fourth Period: The Panthers continue to get calls on Dmitry Kulikov, who is in the final year of his deal. The Oilers, Red Wings, Hurricanes and Ducks are teams who are believed to have shown interest. The Panthers are also taking offers for Scottie Upshall, Tomas Fleischmann, Brad Boyes and Shawn Matthias.
The Fourth Period: Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin has been looking for offensive help. He’s asked about a few players, but the cost is too high. They have inquired about Jets Evander Kane. Bergevin continues to talk with some of his free agents: P.K. Subban, Andrei Markov and Raphael Diaz.
The Fourth Period: The Flames may be looking to make more trades, but they’ll be selling. The Calgary Sun said that trade candidates are: Michael Cammalleri, Lee Stempniak, Matt Stajan and Chris Butler. GM Jay Feaster is looking for young players and draft picks. Nothing is imminent. Cammalleri and Stajan have limited no-trade clauses.
Don Brennan of the Ottawa Sun: The Senators are still trying to find another top-6 forward. GM Bryan Murray has tried to fill the hole internally, and has also been looking outside the organization. A source said that they have talked to the Sharks about Martin Havlat. The Rangers have also talked to the Sharks about Havlat, but Sharks GM Doug Wilson doesn’t want to give up on Havlat just yet. Havlat has a no-trade clause (which he may waive for Ottawa) and a $5 million salary cap hit.
Jeremy Rutherford: Blues Jaroslav Halak got off to a hot start (9-2-1, 2.19 GAA and .913 SV%) but he’s had a rough three games. He now sits at 10-2-3 with a 2.48 GAA (23rd in the league) and .900 save percentage (34th). The Blues play Ryan Miller’s Sabres tonight. The Blues are thought to be one of the teams that could be interested in Miller, “but it appears that that ship has sailed.” The Blues would have issues with Miller’s $6.25 million salary cap hit and the Sabres are searching for a new GM. For now the Blues will ride it out with Halak and Brian Elliott, and have Jake Allen in the AHL if a replacement is needed.
Hope Smoke: Bob McKenzie on TSN Radio: “the fact that the Oilers pick is in play certainly interests people but it’s not easy to acquire stud defenseman”
Hope Smoke: McKenzie on TSN Radio: “MacTavish has been talking, and talking a lot, but nothing appears to be imminent”
Hope Smoke: McKenzie on TSN Radio: “I don’t necessarily see the Islanders doing something to address their goaltending situation”
Hope Smoke: Darren Dreger on TSN Radio: “for the most part the Leafs have stopped looking to upgrade via trade after the Holland move”
Hope Smoke: Dreger on TSN Radio: “I still think there is a deal to be made between the Leafs & Carolina for Liles. Nonis is prepared to eat about $1 mill in salary”
Hope Smoke: Dreger on TSN Radio: “if Raymond continues to produce, it’s unlikely the Leafs would be able to re-sign him. Will he command $2 mill – $3 mill?”
Hope Smoke: Dreger on TSN Radio: “I’m thinking the Leafs get Dion at 6-7 years at around $7 million. Maybe $7.2 on the upside”
John Vogl: Quebec Remparts spokesperson said that the Sabres have not spoken with coach Philippe Boucher about the possibility of Mikhail Grigorenko returning to the QMJHL.
Martin Biron: Translating RDS’s Stephane Leroux tweet that he talked to a source last week who said that Grigorenko would be heading back to the QMJHL.
Sara Orlesky: Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen was at the Flames – Jets game last night.