On the Montreal Canadiens …
Dennis Bernstein: (answering question) The best second line center trade option for the Montreal Canadiens if they are looking for a rental is Martin Hanzal.
On the Pittsburgh Penguins, Toronto Maple Leafs and Winnipeg Jets …
Chris Nichols of FanRag Sports: Elliott Friedman was on Sportsnet 590 on if Marc-Andre Fleury‘s days are numbered in Pittsburgh.
“Yes, the days are definitely numbered. What I’m not 100 percent sure is the end game now or after the season,” said NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman during a Friday segment on Toronto’s Sportsnet 590. “Because I do think Pittsburgh looks at this like, ‘We’re going to win the Stanley Cup again, or at least try to.’ And I think one of the things they’re asking themselves is, ‘Are we a better team with Matt Murray being backed up by (Fleury) in case of injury, or are we a better team with Matt Murray in front of whoever and the piece we get in the trade for Marc-Andre Fleury.’ So I think that’s one of the issues.”
Fleury has a 12-team no-trade list. The Penguins would likely do him right and make sure he’s okay with where they send him.
Friedman was asked if the Toronto Maple Leafs are interested in Winnipeg Jets defenseman Jacob Trouba.
“I think the Leafs have checked on him. I think every team did,” noted Friedman. “I think he’s the kind of player Toronto needs and he’s a right-hand shot, so everybody really loves that. I think the big question about Trouba is does he want to play in Canada. I think a lot of the Canadian teams really have doubts about that. So I don’t know if that’s going to be something that the Maple Leafs are going to want to do or be able to do.”
Friedman adds that he thinks a Jacob Trouba for Marc-Andre Fleury trade would be perfect for both teams. Fleury may not want to play in Winnipeg though.
Friedman isn’t sure if the Maple Leafs see Trouba as a long-term fit.
Friedman on the current trade market.
“But I do think teams are calling. I do think teams are trying. I think we’ve just got a really paralyzed market. Probably much more paralyzed than we’re used to. So I think that’s kind of where we are.”