On the Dallas Stars, Detroit Red Wings, Vancouver Canucks, Antoine Vermette and the Bye Week …
TSN Insider Trade: Pierre LeBrun: Dallas Stars forward Patrick Eaves could be one of this year’s most sought after rentals and it’s not because of his 21 goals, but because of his $1 million cap hit. The Stars are heading down the path to being sellers.
Bob McKenzie: The Detroit Red Wings could also be heading down the path to be sellers after 25 years of making the playoffs. The Red Wings are getting lots of trade calls on 28-year old defenseman Brendan Smith. He as a $2.75 million salary cap hit. Before they decide to trade Smith, they are going to talk to his camp to see what the cost might be to sign him to a contract extension.
The Wings will also get calls on Thomas Vanek and Steve Ott.
Pierre LeBrun: On the goalie market for Vancouver Canucks Ryan Miller. Miller has a limited no-trade clause, with only five teams he’d accept a trade too. Three teams would be the Californian teams – LA Kings, Anaheim Ducks and San Jose Sharks. The Kings are really on the only team of the three that potentially makes sense if they get news that Jonathan Quick may not return. The Canucks are also open to the idea of having Miller return next season at a lower rate.
Pierre LeBrun: Antoine Vermette’s hearing is scheduled for his appeal with Gary Bettman on Thursday. Going to be hard to reduce from 10 games unless all parties, including officials association are okay with a reduction.
Pierre LeBrun: The NHL and NHLPA are looking at ways to alter the bye week. They are considering changing to a two week time frame. Half the conference one week, the other half the conference the next week, and have teams that are coming off a bye, to play each other.