On the Chicago Blackhawks …
- Mark Lazerus of the Chicago Sun-Times: Andrew Desjardins was traded to the Blackhawks at last years trade deadline for Ben Smith.
“You always know the deadline’s coming, so you try to prepare yourself,” Desjardins said. “The more years I’ve been in this league the more you see guys coming in and out. It’s definitely a time of year where you’re just prepared for anything. You never know what’s going to happen.”
The Blackhawks are looking for a top-line left winger, with options in Andrew Ladd, Mikkel Boedker, Kris Versteeg and Loui Eriksson. They don’t have a second round pick this year, so they may have to move some young talent.
“It’s a nervous time in Rockford,” said Phil Danault, who saw several IceHogs teammates traded over the last two seasons. “Lot of guys get traded. I wasn’t that nervous about getting traded, though. I knew the Hawks liked me a lot, and I liked them a lot, too. It’s a good fit.”
On the Montreal Canadiens, Washington Capitals and San Jose Sharks …
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The Canadiens will be looking to trade pending UFAs – defenseman Tom Gilbert and forward Dale Weise.The Capitals might be looking for some depth on the blueline in case Brooks Orpik doesn’t bounce back. Dan Hamhuis played under coach Barry Trotz in Nashville.Matheson thinks the Sharks would be a good spot for Cam Ward as the Sharks don’t have a lot of faith in Alex Stalock. The Hurricanes are still in the playoff race and may hang on to him.
On the Arizona Coyotes …
- Sarah McLellan of the Arizona Republic: (chat) If the Coyotes can remain in the playoff race, GM Don Maloney could look to bring in some support.
“If we can keep our head above water, we’d like to support the group a little more,” Maloney said. “There’s not going to be a mass exodus like last year at all. We’re going to stay competitive all the way through but hopefully if there’s something there to help us be a little more competitive, we’ll certainly look at it. But it’s not going to be at the cost of key assets.”
List of all unrestricted free agents: Centers | Left Wingers | Right Wingers | Defensemen | Goalies
List of all 2016 Traded NHL Draft Picks