- Craig Custance of ESPN: Trade talks have declined for the Sabres compared to a month ago.
“Maybe I’m asking too much,” Murray said, to which a few of his colleagues quickly nodded in agreement.
“I know there is interest out there in some of our players. I’ll listen. I’m not pursuing trading half my team away,” Murray said. “I give an outline of what I need back if I were to trade a certain player. I haven’t said, ‘I need two first-round picks for so-and-so, and that’s the way it’s going to be.’ I’m willing to listen.”
GM Tim Murray thinks that teams may have to get more creative when it comes to talks. Chris Stewart, Tyler Myers and Drew Stafford have had their names out there all season. Either Jhonas Enroth or Michal Neuvirth could become available. Both will be free agents and Muarry will reach out to both to see what they are thinking. Myers may get the Sabres the biggest return. The 24-year old carries a $5.5 million salary cap hit through 2018-19, with a declining salary. The Sabres could move him if they get a left-handed defenseman and top-end prospect.
- Joe Haggerty of CSNNE: (from the weekend) The Bruins have needed a right handed right winger since training camp. They could also use a durable top-four defenseman. Loui Eriksson or Reilly Smith could be made available. Some teams will be interested in Niklas Svedberg and Malcolm Subban. Some players that they have scouted, talked about and already shown interest in: Jordan Eberle, Taylor Hall, T.J. Oshie, Alex Steen, Chris Stewart, Tyler Myers, Evander Kane, Dustin Byfuglien and Wayne Simmonds.
- Joe Haggerty of CSNNE: The Bruins need a right winger with size, strength and some scoring ability. GM Peter Chiarelli has been scouting the Sabres, Blues and Blackhawks. Rumors have kicked up over the last 10 days as the NHL roster freeze goes into effect on Dec. 19th. Patrick Sharp recently played right wing for the first time four years. The Bruins could use to make a deal sooner than later.
- Nichols on Hockey: Darren Dreger on the Jets and Blues.
“It’s not just Winnipeg. I touched on this last night on TSN with our Insider Trading segment. There’s a lot of talk around the St. Louis Blues, as an example. Is Patrik Berglund going to get traded. Is T.J. Oshie a player who might be available. Alex Steen’s name, for heaven’s sake, has popped up as potential trade fodder.
“But I had a brief chat with Doug Armstrong coming out of the Board of Governors meetings and he said, ‘Look, we like our team right now.’
“You never say never. If somebody approaches Cheveldayoff or approaches Doug Armstrong with a specific need and a player in mind, and is willing to pay a price that makes sense, then those players are absolutely available. But I don’t get the sense out of Winnipeg, nor do I get the sense out of St. Louis, that they’re shopping anyone of any significance.”