Teams calling the Coyotes about Panik
Craig Morgan: If the Arizona Coyotes are no longer in the playoff race or if they become healthy enough, pending unrestricted free agent forward Richard Panik would be their most likely trade chip. Teams are already calling the Coyotes about him.
Two priorities for the Vancouver Canucks
Frank Seravalli of TSN: The Vancouver Canucks and defenseman Alexander Edler have started contract extension negotiations.
Getting Edler re-signed appears to be their top priority, with the priority being finding some scoring help on the wing.
Since they are in the playoff race, would they be able to find one without giving up a lot? wonders about St. Louis Blues Patrick Maroon.
Craig Button notes potential options could include Gustav Nyquist and Jakob Silfverberg.
Red Wings have decisions to make with Howard and Nyquist
Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: The Detroit Red Wings have some decisions to make involving Jimmy Howard and Gustav Nyquist – do they look to re-sign them or do they move them before the deadline.
GM Ken Holland said he’s talking to teams.
“… Now I’m a seller and if there’s a deal, we’ll do it. At the same time, we have to look at the players we have towards 2019, because we need to be more competitive.”
There are better forwards ahead of Nyquist that could available at the deadline. If the Red Wings aren’t able to get a first or second round pick and a good prospect, it’s a better chance that they will hold on to him.
“If it’s a soft market for our players because there are too many sellers or not enough buyers; that will impact the decision I make,” Holland said. “Look at how many teams today are one point, one point away from the playoffs.”
If the Red Wings trade Howard, they’ll need to bring in another goaltender.
Holland said he’ll talk with the agents of their unrestricted free agents to see what they might be looking for and if there could be a mutual ground.
Nyquist has a no-trade clause.