On the Anaheim Ducks …
Jimmy Murphy: GMs are looking at the Ducks after they put center Ryan Getzlaf on the IR. One player teams are looking at is defenseman Sami Vatanen according to more than one source. Able to confirm that the Boston Bruins are interested, but they have injuries up front as well that could be putting their interest on hold.
On the Los Angeles Kings …
Dennis Bernstein: Defenseman Paul LaDue is a RFA at the end of the season. Don’t see the Kings wanting to move him.
On the Calgary Flames …
Rory Boylen of Sportsnet: Heading into last night’s game, Sam Bennett was pointless in 15 games. (He recorded an assist last night)
Nick Kypreos and Doug MacLean were talking about Bennett and the Flames on Hockey Central at Noon yesterday.
“For coaches and general managers, there’s never been more pressure now in a short period of time to take a top-five pick and get him in a situation that fits for him right away,” Nick Kypreos said on Hockey Central at Noon Thursday. “And I don’t think Sam Bennett had that. We saw the struggles in Edmonton with Yakupov. We see the struggles with Galchenyuk in Montreal. Marner here in Toronto.”
Added Doug MacLean: “You gotta consider something reasonably drastic right now.” Last week the former NHL GM said, “I’m not convinced that Sam Bennett might not be better off somewhere else, traded.”
The Flames will still value the 21-year as a high first round pick that he was, but his trade value is low right now. Teams would be looking to get him at a reduced rate.
If the Flames are looking for scoring help, the Vegas Golden Knights have pending free agents James Neal and Jonathan Marchessault. May not be the best trade scenario for the Flames.