NHL Rumors: Hurricanes, Senators, Rangers, Flames, Oilers and Sabres
  • The Fourth Period: There has been talk that the Hurricanes could look to trade Eric Staal this offseason.

    “I’ve been here a long time. I love it here. I’ve had success here. I know and I believe we can again, and I can be a part of that,” Staal told reporters on Tuesday.

    “I think I can be part of the right things going forward. Obviously, my career isn’t going to be forever, and I want to play in the playoffs. I don’t want to continually miss the playoffs and have these types of interviews at the end of the season. We’ll see what happens here in the next little while.”

  • Don Brennan of the Ottawa Sun: Brennan thinks that if they can find the fit, they should trade Craig Anderson. If they move him, they should be able to fill a roster needs or add to their draft picks. He is entering his final season of his deal and could be looking for a three or four year contract.  If re-signed, where would that leave Robin Lehner? Brennan also doesn’t think that Jason Spezza will be back.
  • Larry Brooks: It is possible that the Rangers will use an amnesty buy out on Brad Richards.

    “It’s been in the back of my mind to a certain extent, it would be a lie if I said it wasn’t there,” the 33-year-old center said. “But it’s not affecting me or weighing on me, or having any impact on my preparation or my game.”

  • Hope Smoke: Bob McKenzie: “I’ve heard that the Flames could have had Nyquist and Tatar for Bouwmeester or another player but chose not to” … “Based on my information, that was the Wings’ package for Bouwmeester, but not for Iginla”
  • John Vogl: Sabres GM Tim Murray on the possibility of buying out Ville Leino: “Very good possibility.”
  • Bruce Garrioch: Senators owner Eugene Melnyk: “Changes will need to happen,”
  • Jonathan Willis: Oilers GM Craig MacTavish listed his four core players: Jordan Eberle, Taylor Hall, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Justin Schultz.
  • Jason Gregor: Oilers MacTavish on pending RFA Justin Schultz: “I’m open to both scenarios either a longterm or a bridge contract.” Jim Matheson: MacTavish on Shultz: “He is developing player. Potential is limitless. I would consider long-term deal.”
  • Mike Harrington: Sabres GM Tim Murray: “I want to rebuild properly, which takes time. It doesn’t have to take years.”
  • Mike Harrington: Sabres GM Tim Murray reaffirmed that they could draft Aaron Ekblad, not a guarantee that they draft a forward.