On the Chicago Blackhawks …
The Athletic: Maxim Shalunov’s agent has said that the he could join the Blackhawks for the playoffs.
Aivis Kalnins: There a possibility that Shalunov could sign with the Blackhawks before March 1st.
Aivis Kalnins: Shalunov was expected to moved to a top KHL team, but something went wrong and team acquired another prospect. The Blackhawks are now an option of Shalunov.
On the Vancouver Canucks …
Rick Dhaliwal: The Canucks and Alexandre Burrows spoke earlier this week about a potential trade that would work for both sides. All is quiet on a trade front at the moment.
On the Pittsburgh Penguins …
Jimmy Murphy: Have heard that the Penguins would like to keep Marc-Andre Fleury, but also hearing that he’d consider waiving his modified no-trade clause for three teams, and that he may have already approved one team.
Jimmy Murphy: Not that it matter just yet for Fleury, but have been told by a NHL source that the Vegas Golden Knights will target him.
Chris Nichols of FanRag Sports: Elliotte Friedman on 630 CHED on if he thinks the Penguins are done trading after they acquired Ron Hainsey from the Hurricanes.
“No, I don’t think so,” considered NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman during a Thursday afternoon appearance on Edmonton’s 630 CHED. “I saw Rutherford had an availability this morning and they’re three guys down now, right. The other thing with Maatta out and Schultz out – although he’s practicing today or skated today – and now Daley out six weeks; what they’re probably going to do is they’re going keep Maatta and Daley out (until) the playoffs, like Chicago did with Patrick Kane two years ago, and come back with added guys.
“So I think Pittsburgh will add another D and I wouldn’t be surprised if they add another forward too. They’re in it to win it, and Rutherford will go for it all and sort it out later.”