On the Dallas Stars …
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: (mailbag) It could be a quiet trade deadline for the Stars. Maple Leafs defenseman Roman Polak may be a good fit for the Stars, but not hearing any specific names connected with the Stars.
- Rick Gosselin of the Dallas Morning News: (mailbag) Still think that the Stars are a veteran defenseman, one preferably with size, away from being a serious Stanley Cup contender.
On the Colorado Avalanche …
- Adrian Dater of Bleacher Report: Joe Sakic on if there are any untouchables aside from Nathan MacKinnon.
“You know what, it doesn’t matter what I say or what anyone says. Nate’s not going anywhere, and there are guys that don’t want to move. But you’re always talking with teams, and you’re wanting to listen on anybody, really.”
Sakic on the trade market
“Any moves I might make…won’t be for a quick fix,” Sakic said. “We’ve got some good young players. Our moves are going to have to make sense down the line as well. It’s tough to make deals in a cap world.
“The cap plays a big role for all teams. Some teams are already at the cap and some teams have their own internal budgets. Everybody deals with what they’re allowed. It’s tough to make that big trade; the money’s got to even out. That’s why you see a lot of deals still at the deadline. You can take on a couple months’ salary if you think it’s the right move. It’s worth it if you really think you can win a championship.”
If a deal make sense for the Avalanche, Sakic won’t hesitate to make it.
“If there’s a deal that makes sense for your organization, you’re going to do it,” Sakic said. “You don’t want to move some guys, but you’re always listening. Having had different conversations with different GMs, you know what? You’re never not going to listen. But every team is the same. You have to hear things out, and see if they make sense.”