Scouting the Dallas Stars and Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday …
Adam Kimelman: Scouts listed to attend Saturday’s Stars-Flyers game: Chicago Blackhawks and Toronto Maple Leafs.
On five potential trade partner for the Pittsburgh Penguins …
Sonny Sacheva of Sportsnet: Penguins GM Jim Rutherford has said he could make another trade, possibly a “major trade.” They acquired center Riley Sheahan from the Detroit Red Wings, but he hasn’t brought the offense they’d like. Five potential trading partners for the Penguins.
Vegas Golden Knights – Vegas will need to decide if they are buyers or sellers. They reached out to the Penguins about Ian Cole earlier this year, but it may not be easy to get the Penguins to trade him now. The Penguins could look at forwards Erik Haula or Cody Eakin.
Toronto Maple Leafs – The Maple Leafs were another team that inquired about Ian Cole. Tyler Bozak would fill the need for the Penguins and has been tied to them in the past – the Phil Kessel connection. Leafs GM Lou Lamoriello may not want to help improve an Eastern Conference contender. The Penguins could sweeten the pot by including winger Carl Hagelin.
Ottawa Senators – Could the Senators be willing to trade Derick Brassard. Brassard carries a $5 million salary cap hit and has a modified no-trade clause. Taking on his salary could be an issue, but the Penguins were prepared to take on Matt Duchene‘s $6 million salary if they could have swung a deal with the Avalanche. Jean-Gabriel Pageau could be a cheaper option for the Penguins. Ian Cole or Olli Maatta might interest the Senators.
Colorado Avalanche – Carl Soderberg could be a potential option for the Penguins, who has 13 points in 29 games. Has two years left on his deal at a $4.75 million cap hit.
Minnesota Wild – Matt Cullen has been a healthy scratch in Minnesota a couple of times this season, but it may be an unlikely scenario. Cullen signed a one-year, $1 million deal with the Wild this offseason to move back home. Salary would fit nicely with the Penguins.