The Blue Jackets may start to consider moving on from Sergei Bobrovsky
TSN: Pierre LeBrun said that Sergei Bobrovsky‘s camp told the Columbus Blue Jackets this past offseason that they wouldn’t be signing an extension and there was the belief that he wouldn’t waive his no-trade clause. There may have been a list given to the Blue Jackets of teams Bobrovsky would consider, but believes GM Jarmo Kekalainen never called any of those teams as he wants to win with Bobrovsky. Last weeks situation may end up changing this.
Jimmy Hayes will generate the most interest, but Mats Zuccarello turning things around
Chris Nichols of Nichols on Hockey: Elliotte Friedman was on the NHL Network and was asked about New York Rangers forward Mats Zuccarello. Zuccarello has admitted his struggles this season and that the rumors had been getting to him. Teams had been down on him a bit because of his play, but he has played better since coming forward.
“I think he still has to continue on this trek in order to get some interest. There’s no question the Ranger with the most interest is Hayes, the center, because he is a center. But I think if Zuccarello continues to play the way he has in the past 10 games, I think he puts himself back in the conversation.
“But I do think it’s interesting he’s kind of played better since he came out and admitted how hard this whole situation had been on him.”
GM Ken Holland will meet with Jimmy Howard before the trade deadline
John Niyo of the Detroit News: The Detroit Red Wings are interested in bringing pending UFA Jimmy Howard back next season. It would take a big offer for them to move him. GM Ken Holland plans on speaking with Howard before the trade deadline.
“Obviously, it depends what I’m thinking but it also depends on what Jimmy’s thinking,” Holland told Sirius NHL Radio last week. “But certainly he has played great, so I’ve got to sit down and talk with him here as we head up toward the trade deadline.”
Howard hopes he’s able to finish his career with the Red Wings but knows anything can happen.
“With the trade deadline coming up here, it’s pretty much wait-and-see,” Howard said. “There’s always a chance, I guess. I’ve been through this a couple times. But you just can’t think about it, until it actually happens.