- Ansar Khan of MLive: (mailbag) The weak free agent market may lead to more trades this offseason. The Red Wings are looking for a top-four defenseman and a top-six forward. Trade talk is expected to heat up at the GM meetings this week.
Predators GM David Poile said he isn’t trading Shea Weber, but if they would consider trading him, the Red Wings would be interested.
Free agent options for the Wings: (right handed) Matt Niskanen, Dan Boyle, Anton Stralman, Derek Morris, Tom Gilbert and Matt Greene. Left handed free agent option: Andrei Markov.
The Red Wings have had interest in Cody Franzen in the past, but it’s unlike the Leafs would trade him to their division rivals. The Wings could inquire about Dustin Byfuglien, as well as Mike Green.
Khan thinks that Gustav Nyquist is basically untouchable. Tomas Tatar isn’t untouchable, but they may not be too interested in trading the 23-year old.
Khan doesn’t think they should sign free agent winger Radim Vrbata to the three year deal if it meant diminishing Tomas Jurco’s role or causing him to end up in the AHL again.
Khan thinks they should consider trading for Alex Elder or Keith Yandle, but it would depend on the cost.
The asking price for Jason Spezza may be too high for someone who could just be a rental for a year.
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Paul Stastny’s agent hasn’t been in a rush to get a deal done with the Avalanche. Serious talks aren’t likely to get going until at least the 20th in an attempt to gain some leverage. The Avalanche are optimistic that they can get a deal done.
- Hope Smoke: Darren Dreger: “There are some big names in play, no question. Kesler, Spezza, Thornton, Marleau & every market is going to try & connect the dots” … “I think the Leafs would be apprehensive on the package that it would take to acquire Thornton & you have to look at the salary cap” … “The Leafs are still looking for that top centre.” Dreger also notes that Thornton controls where he goes and the Maple Leafs are probably not an option.