Habs bargain hunting
Habs Links: Pierre LeBrun on TSN said the Montreal Canadiens could be looking at rental player at a cheap price if supply is greater than the demand: “I think Montreal is going bargain hunting on Monday.”
Johansson could be a Plan B for the Jets
Mike McIntyre: Sources are have mentioned more than once that the Winnipeg Jets could have some interest in New Jersey Devils center/left winger Marcus Johansson. The pending UFA is now healthy and has been playing well.
Mark Stone is still believed to be their top target, but Johansson could be a much cheaper Plan B option for the Jets.
Mike McIntyre: Josh Morrissey’s injury status may be a concern. If he’s out for an extended period of time, would have to think it adding a defenseman becomes a major priority for them today.
Stars may not have the right draft picks for the Devils
Mike Morreale: There are some who may think the Dallas Stars may now become interested in Devils forward Marcus Johansson.
The Stars have a first round pick in 2019 and 2020 but they don’t have any seconds or thirds.
Doubtful that Stars GM Jim Nill is going to give up a first for Johansson and that Devils GM Ray Shero would settle for a fourth-round pick.
Bruins lack firepower
Kevin Paul Dupont of the Boston Globe: The Boston Bruins added Charlie Coyle last week and signed veteran Lee Stempniak for the league minimum today and will send to the AHL if/when he clears waivers.
The Bruins have been linked to pending UFA Mark Stone and could cost them two first-round picks, a prospect and a roster player.
GM Don Sweeney may not want to give up first round picks again, but he must realize they don’t have the offense to compete with the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Pierre LeBrun: After losing out Saturday to adding Ryan Dzingel, the Bruins keep looking to add a forward.
Jim Matheson: The Bruins still have Wayne Simmonds as their No. 1 target. It could cost them a first rounder and a prospect.
Ty Anderson: With the Bruins not being able to acquire some of these forwards that are costing second and third round picks makes think that they are trying to go big, or they pass the deadline empty-handed.