On the Montreal Canadiens …
John Lu: Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin said in French that the solution to their problems are in their room and not from outside.
On the Arizona Coyotes …
Craig Morgan: Coyotes GM John Chayka on their slow start: “Staying the course. Hope to get healthy sooner than later.”
On the Edmonton Oilers …
Chris Nichols of FanRag Sports: Elliotte Friedman was on Sportsnet 650 radio Wednesday. Part of the conversation involved the Edmonton Oilers and how outside of Connor McDavid, they lack speed.
“I think that they are going to look for speed. I think they are going to try to find some players around the league that have some hop to them, because they need guys fast enough to play with McDavid.”
On the Buffalo Sabres and Anaheim Ducks …
Chris Nichols of FanRag Sports: Darren Dreger was on TSN 690 radio talking about the Buffalo Sabres and what they might be able to get in return for Evander Kane if they decide to put him on the market.
Dreger notes that Kane’s trade value is higher now than it was at the trade deadline last year. Teams that are in a win-now mode would be most interested in Kane.
“The problem, again, is pretty clear with Evander Kane: What are you getting. Is the baggage automatic. Is the history going to rear its ugly head again. And you don’t know that. You don’t know that. It’s a contract year for Kane, so let’s give him the benefit of the doubt that he’s going to keep it clean, keep it on the rails, and hopefully do that for the remainder of his NHL career. If he’s able to do that, then he’s a commodity.
“So you’re talking about probably at the very least a prospect and a draft pick. Or maybe Buffalo just wants a player who can play now, so you’re going to have to take on a contract.
“If you’re a team like Anaheim, as an example, in that win-now mode – and they’re looking for a forward – Evander Kane makes some sense. But for cap reasons, budget reasons, maybe Anaheim – if they are genuinely interested – would have to add a contract just to make the money make sense.”