Will Anaheim make a move for a defenseman?
Eric Stephens of The Athletic (mailbag): Anaheim needs a defenseman but the question is can they find one. The hope is to find a big shot from that back end. Offense along with a right-handed shot would be bonuses at this juncture.
Players being looked at including Colin Miller and Rasmus Ristolainen from the Buffalo Sabres. Anaheim has dictated play far better than it did last year but could use a bit more offense to keep leads. Also, it allows the defensive defenseman to worry about their end a bit more.
Another name mentioned is Shayne Gostisbehere. Though he is a left-handed shot, that is a move which could help the man advantage and again that booming shot.
The art of the coaching change
Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic: Some coaches expect to take some time off. Peter DeBoer and Mike Babcock may not jump back in for a while. Yes, there are notable cases of coaches who thought that then went right back in (see Claude Julien).
Bob Boughner taking over in San Jose will be one to watch as the season goes on. Can he blend the youth with the veterans in a way that masks their deficiencies?
Not every case turns into a Craig Berube and one never quite knows how the change will turn out. Peter Laviolette appears off the hot seat after a 5-1-2 run from Nashville and Jon Cooper looks okay in Tampa Bay for now. Maybe just maybe, the league will relax a bit from the coaching ax.
Does Rutherford need a left-side defenseman?
Dan Kingerski of Pittsburgh Hockey Now: With the Brian Dumoulin injury, it could not be more clear that Pittsburgh misses that help on the left side. Who is available?
T.J. Brodie is the most expensive idea but a puck mover Pittsburgh could use. He has little risk on an expiring contract and can play some defense.
Travis Hamonic eats minutes and knows the Metro Division well. The question is would he want to stay in Pittsburgh?
Erik Gustafsson may not be available due to injuries in Chicago but if he is, it could be a low-cost fix as well.