On the Dallas Stars …
Dave McCarthy: Nill on if he is optimistic that Valeri Nichushkin could return to the Stars next season: “I’ve talked to Val & his representatives and I think he’s excited about coming back. We’ll take that step once we get through the season.”
Dave McCarthy of the Sporting News: (Interview with Stars GM Jim Nill) Nill was asked how they will be approaching the trade deadline next month.
“If there’s something out there that makes us better, I’m always open to it, but I like where our team is right now, I’m happy with our depth. Our team in the AHL and our players there are playing very well. I’ve got lots of options for bringing players up.
Right now, I’m happy where we’re at. It’s not like I’m sitting here saying I’ve got to fill a hole or make a big move. We want to be smart. Everybody in the NHL now values draft picks. Picks and player development is a big part of our game now and I’m not going to be throwing away a bunch of picks just to bring in a bunch of players.”
On the Toronto Maple Leafs …
TSN: Darren Dreger was on TSN 1050 talking about the Maple Leafs and how he thinks they will be looking for a defenseman.
“I’d be shocked if Lou Lamoriello hasn’t called the Columbus Blue Jackets about Jack Johnson,” Dreger told TSN Radio 1050 Toronto. “We know that there’s some upheaval there. Johnson doesn’t feel like he’s a good fit with the Blue Jackets any longer and he’s asked for a trade – he’s publicly talked about that.
“Now, is he a good fit for the Toronto Maple Leafs? You don’t really know until you see that player in the lineup. I don’t know for certain that there’s been dialogue between Lamoriello and Jarmo Kekalainen but as I said, based on speculation, I’d be surprised if Lou didn’t at least call.
“But if that doesn’t pan out, then you look at who might be the next available defenceman and so on and so forth. And that’s where it gets tricky because depth guys – and I mean depth – like seven/eight defencemen, they’re relatively easy to grab a hold of via trade or even waivers. But that’s not what Toronto needs. Toronto has that developing with the American Hockey League, we just talked about (Connor) Carrick and (Travis Dermott).
“What Toronto needs, is a solid No. 5 and maybe that player surfaces between now and the trade deadline, but there’s no guarantee of that.”