- TSN: Bob McKenzie: the Canucks are not aggressively shopping or trying to move Ryan Kesler, but they are listening. Kesler has a no-movement clause, and he might have a broken finger. If they were going to trade him, they would be looking for a 20-25 year old center that could grow into what Kesler’s role with the team currently is. A reload for the Canucks and not necessarily a rebuild. Would the Blue Jackets give up Ryan Johansen for Kesler? Would the Rangers give up Derek Stepan for Kesler?
Darren Dreger: Lots of interest in Kesler. He does have a history of injuries.Darren Dreger: A Martin St. Louis deal could happen between now and the trade deadline.
Bob McKenzie: A St. Louis deal could be more of an offseason deal.
Bob McKenzie: The Canadiens may not be locked on “we’re only offering you a one-year deal, that’s it, take it or leave it” for Andrei Markov, as they could do a two-year deal. Markov would be a 35+ player. Word is that Markov could be looking for as much as a four year contract. Would be a surprise if the Canadiens traded him at the deadline, unless they were blown away by an offer.
- David Boclair of the Nashville Post: As of late last week, there was no conversations between the Predators and pending UFA David Legwand.
“No one talked to me so I haven’t thought about it,” he said. “I thought we would have had a conversation already but – nothing.”
Legwand could be dealt, but he will have a say where he goes due to his no-trade clause.
“Obviously it’s up to me,” Legwand said. “It’s a decision in my hands and my family’s hands so we’ll make it when it’s the point in time to make it.”
“You always have options,” Legwand said. “Obviously, the ball is in your court. They haven’t said anything all year. Do they really want me here? Or do they want me gone? I don’t know. If they wanted me here, they’d say something. They haven’t said anything.”
The Fourth Period: The Lightning are thought to be looking for a mobile defenseman and a second or third line winger. The Lightning may have shown interest in Andrew MacDonald, Tom Gilbert, Ales Hemsky and Lee Stempniak.
- The Fourth Period: Teams have inquired about Maple Leafs James Reimer, but it’s unclear if they will move him.
“This is definitely a place I’ve dreamed of playing my whole career,” he said. “Who knows what’s going to happen on the horizon. Right now, I don’t know if I want to talk about it too much.”
- Jimmy Murphy: Sources saying it’s very likely that Stars Ray Whitney is traded. Keep an eye on the Coyotes and Kings.
- Jimmy Murphy: There is some speculation that the Penguins could look at Canadiens defenseman Andrei Markov, but Murphy is hearing that isn’t the case. They are focusing on forward help.
- Ansar Khan: Red Wings GM Ken Holland said he won’t trade a top prospect for a rental.
- Ted Kulfan: Red Wings GM Ken Holland said they won’t be sellers. He’s not interested in rentals, only hockey trades.