On International play, the Buffalo Sabres, Anaheim Ducks, Edmonton Oilers, Boston Bruins, Minnesota Wild and Montreal Canadiens …
Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet: The NHL is proposing an International schedule to the NHLPA that may look something like: Olympics in 2018 and 2022, two World Cups in 2020 and 2024, two “Ryder Cup-style” events in 2019 and 2023 (replaces all-star game those years and could be overseas), two exhibition games in China and two regular season games in Europe.
Teams are calling the Buffalo Sabres about forward Zemgus Girgensons, but are being told by GM Tim Murray that they aren’t going to give him away. The Anaheim Ducks may have been interested in the offseason, but were asked for a young defenseman in return. The Ducks didn’t want to pay that much without another piece being involved.
Wonder if the Edmonton Oilers would be interested Colorado Avalanche winger Jarome Iginla.
One trade rumor that was denied this week: Boston Bruins forward Ryan Spooner for Minnesota Wild defenseman Matt Dumba.
Friedman thinks the Montreal Canadiens considered center Peter Holland before the Toronto Maple Leafs traded him to the Arizona Coyotes.
On the Tampa Bay Lightning and Ben Bishop …
Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times: Ben Bishop before tonight’s game against the Calgary Flames, a team he was almost traded to at the draft last year.
“Zero thoughts,” Bishop said. “It’s over and done with.”
The Flames were on Bishop’s no trade list, but they worked something out. In the end, the Flames traded for Brian Elliott instead of Bishop.
Bishop is a pending UFA and isn’t sure where he’ll be playing after the trade deadline and next season.
“It’s definitely in the back of your mind,” Bishop said. “You’d be lying if you said it wasn’t.”
Trade talk surrounding Bishop will only grow as the March 1st trade deadline approaches. The Lightning are struggling and went into play last night with a 14-13-2 record. Bishop is the Lightning’s biggest trade chip, though it’s not a good market for goalies at the moment. The Pittsburgh Penguins could also be looking to move a goalie in Marc-Andre Fleury.