On the Chicago Blackhawks …
Mark Lazerus: Can’t see the Blackhawks have any interest in bringing defenseman Johnny Oduya back.
Mark Lazerus: (asked about Patrick Sharp rumors to Chicago) Haven’t come across that rumor but everyone that has spoken with says Sharp coming back to the Blackhawks is highly unlikely.
Mark Lazerus: Have heard that there is interest from Sharp’s side of things, but there is less interest from the Blackhawks side of things.
Jay Zawaski: There have been lots of reports that the Blackhawks want Sharp back. Had been “assured” last week that Sharp won’t be back.
On the New York Rangers …
Justin Tasch of the NY Daily News: Rangers GM Jeff Gorton said that he hopes to re-sign restricted free agent Jesper Fast soon. Mika Zibanejad is also a RFA and they’re open to any length of deal.
“We’re open to anything as far as Mika. We want to make a good deal.” Gorton said. “It could be short-term, it could be long-term. We’re wide open.”
Steve Zipay: (asked if Rangers are still in on Kovalchuk) Would depend on what money he is looking for and what the Devils would want in return for him.
Larry Brooks of the NY Post: The Rangers have moved on from Derek Stepan and Dan Girardi and they don’t have anyone currently to fill those holes.
The Rangers tried to trade up to No. 3 at the draft but weren’t able to.
Will the Rangers have to offer up one of J.T. Miller or Chris Kreider to get top-pairing defenseman?
Would Joe Thornton consider signing with the Rangers? Would think Gorton would see if there is any interest.
wouldn’t mind seeing Ilya Kovalchuk in a Rangers jersey. He’s not the center or top defenseman they need, but they lack a game-changer. They may need another top-four if they can’t re-sign Brendan Smith.
The Blue Jackets are expected to be interested in Kovalchuk as well.