On the Columbus Blue Jackets …
George Richards: There have been rumors that the Blue Jackets could be interested in Senators center Derick Brassard. Brassard said he has good memories of playing in Columbus. He has a modified no-trade clause and has another left on his deal at $5 million.
“Let’s say it this way: I will play hockey anywhere,” Brassard said after the Sens’ morning skate at Canadian Tire Center in suburban Kanata.
“I have good memories, but my job is to play hockey here. I’ll play anywhere. I wouldn’t refuse to go anywhere in the world or anywhere in the east. I have really good memories of playing Columbus, we had a lot of fun.”
Brian Hedger: Senators Derick Brassard on trade rumors that have linked him to the Blue Jackets.
“I don’t want to talk about that right now. I don’t know when the trade deadline is, but I’m just trying to focus on playing here, playing well for this team.”
On the New York Islanders …
Brett Cyrgalis of the NY Post: believes the Islanders have the assets to trade for defenseman Erik Karlsson if the Senators make his available. Mathew Barzal would be a non-starter for the Islanders.
Would an offer of Anthony Beauvillier, Josh Ho-Sang and/or Ryan Pulock, a 1st round pick and two conditional 2nds be enough?
On the Vancouver Canucks …
The Fourth Period: Defenseman Erik Gudbranson appears to be the odd man out in Vancouver. He will be a free agent after the season and carries a $3.5 million salary cap hit.
Reports are that there have been no significant contract extension talks. Gudbranson to Sportsnet.
“Everybody else is more concerned about it than I am,” Gudbranson told Sportsnet.ca this week. “I’d be lying to you if I told you it hasn’t crossed my mind. Everybody thinks about their future. Everybody does. To a certain extent in our business, it’s out of your hands (so) I try not to think about it.”
GM Jim Benning has talked to teams about Gudbranson.
Teams that could be looking to improve their blue line include the Toronto Maple Leafs, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Chicago Blackhawks.