- Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: Blue Jackets forward Rick Nash was asked a hypothetical question about waiving his no-movement clause:
“That’s a tough question to answer in a situation like this,” Nash said. “I love Columbus. I love being here. I love being a Blue Jacket.
“The city of Columbus deserves a winner and deserves a good product on the ice. If it comes to that — like you said, all speculation — but if they don’t want me here, they want to move me? I’m not going to do something where it’s going to hurt the franchise just because I have that in my contract.”
- Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News: The Red Wings have some salary cap room to make a move at the trade deadline. They could be interested in forwards like Tuomo Ruutu or Ales Hemsky, a defenseman like Bryan Allen or a backup goalie like Evgeni Nabokov. Ty Conklin has struggled in a limited backup role, 1-4-0 with a 3.23 GAA and .889 SV%.
- Michael Russo of the Star-Tribune: Lightning GM Steve Yzerman took in a Wild game in which Josh Harding started. The Lightning could be after a goalie, but could also use some help along the blueline. The Wild are carrying 9 defensemen.
- Dennis Bernstein via twitter: Bernstein responds to my question if the Kings and Jonathan Quick have talked contract extension yet (UFA after next season) saying that there is no reason from Quick’s side just yet, the summer at the earliest. Bernstein has noted several times that the Kings may not move Bernier until they have a better handle on Quick’s long term future. In any Bernier deal, the Kings would have to get a dependable backup in return. A Quick contract leverages everything.
- The Fourth Period: The Blackhawks haven’t hidden the fact that they’d like to add another defenseman and top 6 forward. They’d like either a power forward to play with Patrick Kane or a 2nd line center.
- Darren Dreger via twitter: Rangers coach John Tortorella was fined $30,000 for his comments regarding officiating at the Winter Classic.
- Erik Erlendsson via twitter: Lightning GM Steve Yzerman said there is no truth to the rumor that he’s pulling Brett Connolly from Canada’s bronze medal game.