- Aaron Portzline of the Dispatch: The Blue Jackets now find themselves battling for a playoff spot. It’s not sounding like the Blue Jackets will be buyers at the trade deadline. They could be sellers despite being in the hunt. Players that are getting talked about are: R.J. Umberger – $4.6 million through 2016-17 and has a no trade clause. Derick Brassard – one year left at $3.2 million. He could get a decent return for a team looking for a No. 2 center. Vinny Prospal – had a gentleman’s agreement with former GM Scott Howson that he could play as long as he wanted, then join the front office. Not sure if ‘agreement’ remains with new management. He has a no trade clause. Adrian Aucoin – veteran defenseman always get interest at the deadline. President of hockey operations John Davidson scouted the Penguins-Rangers game.
- Rob Rossi and Josh Yohe of the Tribune-Review: Coyotes GM Don Maloney was at the Penguins game. The two have traded before. The Penguins are looking for defensive depth and an upgrade to their 3rd and 4th lines.
- Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Molinari list some potential rental players that teams could look at: Jarome Iginla, Mike Ribeiro, Robyn Regehr, Ryan Whitney, Jordan Leopold, Anton Babchuk, Ladislav Smid, Mark Fistric and Milan Hejduk.
- Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Jarome Iginla is often linked to the Penguins, but he may not be a good fit for them. Pascal Dupuis and Chris Kunitz have played well with Sidney Crosby, and bringing in Iginla would put Dupuis back to the third line, which would be foolish. There also wouldn’t be a spot for Iginla on the power-play.
- Damian Cristodero of the Tampa Bay Times: Cristodero wonders if Martin St. Louis would leave the Lightning or if GM Steve Yzerman would ever consider trading him. There has been no indication that any conversations have taken place, pure speculation. It only makes sense if St. Louis thinks he has a better chance at winning a cup somewhere else. The 37-year old has a no-trade clause.
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: Moving Marian Gaborik from the right wing to left wing hasn’t worked for the Rangers. He has only three goals in the last 22 games. They are looking to move Gaborik and his $7.5 million cap hit through next year. He has a no-trade clause in which he provides a list of 10 teams that he can’t be dealt too, something he’s already done.
- Kevin Paul Dupont of the Boston Globe: Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli’s shopping list probably contains help for his 3rd and 4th lines. He’ll also look for help on the blueline.
“It’s the same list every year, it really is,’’ said Chiarelli. “You look to add depth, and rather than target, say, a top six forward, I like to define as looking right through the lineup.’’
Rumors are out there that the Bruins are in the hunt for Jarome Iginla, but Dupont thinks the Bruins would have Daniel Alfredsson higher on the list.
- Gary Lawless of the Winnipeg Free Press: The Jets should play Alex Burnistrov more. He needs to get back into the lineup. He’s still an asset, and if they are not going to give him a shot, they should look to move him for equal value.
- Ansar Khan of MLive: Khan thinks the Red Wings could target Oilers defenseman Ladislav Smid at the trade deadline. They have been scouting him. He would strengthen their top-four and bring some grit. It could take a second round pick or a second tier prospect.
- Mark Zwolinski of the Toronto Star: The Leafs have only two points in the last five games. Is it time to make a trade to turn things around? There have been Corey Perry and Mike Ribeiro rumors. They are said to be looking for a center and top-four defenseman.