On the Vancouver Canucks …
- Iain MacIntyre of the Vancouver Sun: The Blackhawks, Stars, Kings, Capitals and a couple other teams are interested in Dan Hamhuis.Radim Vrbata has given the an eight team trade list. Vrbata is day-to-day with an undisclosed injury, so instead of getting a second round pick or a prospect, he could get nothing.GM Jim Benning took heat for trading Hunter Shinkarek, and he could be in store for more.
“I can’t be focused on what people think of me; I have to do what I think is right for our organization,” Benning said. “If I start reading what everyone says about every move I make, I’ll drive myself crazy. We’ve got work to do around here. We’ve got to get our young players up and going and we’ve got to add to that age group. There’s too much work to do to worry about being popular.
“I think the fans understand where we’re at as a team. I think they’re behind us in trying to transition new players into our group. At the end of the day, it’s what we need to do.”
- Jason Botchford of the Vancouver Province: The Canucks had a chance to trade the Ryan Miller last offseason, but passed. Botchford wonders if Miller has any value on Monday or before the draft.The Ducks are among the teams that have expressed some interest in Jannik Hansen.The idea that the Canucks are shopping Jared McCann is crazy.
If they need to retain salary to move out some players, they need to do it.
On the Carolina Hurricanes …
- Nick Kypreos: Feeling that if Eric Staal waives his no-trade clause for a team in the East, it would only be for the Rangers. He’s not interested in facing his brother in the playoffs.
On the New York Islanders …
- Arthur Staple: Trade talk around the Islanders is quiet. Don’t look like the Islanders will trade their first round pick for a rental.