On Matt Duchene …
Chris Nichols: Bob McKenzie on TSN 1200 when asked about the last on the Matt Duchene trade front: “I haven’t heard a thing.”
Adrian Dater: Have been told that it is extremely likely that forward Matt Duchene will start the season with the Colorado Avalanche.
On NHL ownership …
David Pagnotta: “Meanwhile, rumblings picking up over a few NHL clubs’ ownership situations. Not trouble, but possible sales on horizon as interest grows.”
On the Detroit Red Wings …
Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: Detroit Red Wings GM Ken Holland met with restricted free agent Andreas Athanasiou‘s agent 10 days ago in Toronto, and there has been nothing but silence since.
Athanasiou’s agent Darren Ferris didn’t respond to a text inquiry yesterday. Athanasiou has an offer from Ak Bars of the KHL for $2.5 million on a one-year deal.
Holland has offered Athanasiou one-year at $1.25 million and two years at $1.9 million per.
Athanasiou could request a trade, but the Red Wings are unlikely to do so.
On the Pittsburgh Penguins …
Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: There has been much talk of the Pittsburgh Penguins pursuit of trading for a third line center, but Greg McKegg is making a case for himself.
“We’re still evaluating, but he’s certainly has been impressive throughout the course of training camp to this point,” Penguins coach Mike Sullivan said after a 4-1 loss to the Red Wings at Little Caesers Arena.
“We notice him in the games. He has good speed. He has good puck poise. He can win faceoffs. We’ve used him in so many situations.”
The Penguins have been linked to center Riley Sheahan of the Detroit Red Wings, but an unsigned Andreas Athanasiou could be holding up a potential trade.
McKegg’s internal competition is coming from Jay McClement, Teddy Blueger, and Adam Johnson.