Jason Botchford of the Vancouver Province: Canucks 4th line center Alec Bolduc will have an MRI done later this week to determine the extend of his injury, but he’s expected to miss a month. His shoulder popped out on a face-off on Friday, this is his 3rd separation in the last 2 years. They’ll need to recall a forward this week, maybe Sergei Shirokov, Viktor Oreskovich, or possibly Cody Hodgson. If they look at a trade to replace him, Islanders center Zenon Konopka could be of interest.
Mike Zwolinski of the Toronto Star: JS Giguere has a no-trade clause but has made it known that he could be open to waiving it. Tomas Kaberle, François Beauchemin and Mike Komisarek also have no-trade clauses but haven’t said publicly if they’d be open to waiving it. Trade talks in past weeks have involved Kris Versteeg, Clarke MacArthur and Mikhail Grabovski. Trading Versteeg for prospects seems odd since they gave up prospects to get before the season. MacArthur and Grabovski have been a couple of their best players this year. Kaberle for Blake Wheeler continues to float out there, though the Bruins have 7 Dman locked up for next year.
Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Jarrko Ruutu knows his days in Ottawa are likely numbered. The Kings, Sharks and Penguins could possibly be interested in him.
Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Matheson thinks the Penguins should trade Evgeni Malkin and move Jordan Staal up to the #2 center, and proposes a Malkin-Rick Nash trade, though admits will likely never happen. Matheson wonders if the Sharks have considered Sheldon Souray. Flyers are looking for right winger who’ll be a UFA at season end, currently have about $1.9 million in cap room. Some think the Stars will dangle James Neal for an offensive defenseman.
Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Oilers defenseman Ryan Whitney will be heading to N.C. to see his foot specialist (will be his 3rd procedure there) to repair a dislocated tendon in his right ankle. A time frame may be better known today when it gets examined, but “All we know is it’s going to be a good amount of time,” Tambellini said. “He’s dealt with this surgeon before, so he’s very comfortable with him.”
Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Derek Boogaard could be done for the season after suffering a concussion in a fight with Matt Carkner. Don’t look for a Mike Commodore-Brian Rolston deal, Rolston makes too much money for the Blue Jackets. Best Bets for Senators defenseman Chris Phillips are the Capitals and Sharks. If Patrick Eaves keeps up his scoring, Jiri Hudler could find himself an odd man out, would someone take his $2.8 million contract?
Eric Francis of the Calgary Sun: The Calgary Flames turned down the idea of starting next season in Europe, “We need to focus on what’s important and get ourselves back on track,” said team president and CEO Ken King. Sharks GM Doug Wilson is kicking tires, but “the marketplace is a tough one” as many teams are looking for centers and defenseman. Ilya Bryzgalov’s agent, Don Meehan, is heading to Phoenix today to discuss contract extension with the Coyotes. “We’ve been told that signing Ilya is a priority,” said Meehan.