- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Sabres GM Tim Murray has let it be known that he’s willing to trade Chris Stewart anytime once he receives a fair offer. The Senators and Bruins have shown interest. The Bruins may be thinking they don’t need to pay a big price due to Stewart’s struggles. The Bruins need a top-six winger and have scouted the Blues.
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: The Avalanche have struggled, but they will remain patient won’t make any drastic moves.
“I think the biggest thing for us is that we know we’re still growing as a team,” said Sakic, whose Avs lost 3-0 at home to Nashville on Tuesday night. “We’re not going to do anything drastic right now. We’re missing a lot of our guys due to injury, so it’s tough to get a grasp on the type of team we coufld be. There’s no panic mode or anything.”
- Luke DeCock of the Raleigh News & Observer: Hurricanes who have expiring contracts and could easily be moved: Andrej Sekera, Jiri Tlusty and Tim Gleason.
“We’ve already had conversations in those regards, looking at things,” Francis said. “Can we get certain guys signed for the right term and right money? And if not can we get something for them? We’re constantly having those discussions.”
Eric Staal has had his name in the rumors and it may make more sense to trade him now. His contract expires at the end of 2016. Would someone take on Cam Ward and his salary? Alex Semin has no trade value. DeCock wonders what Jeff Skinner get in a trade.
- Bob Duff of the Windsor Star: A new contract for Mike Babcock is expected sooner than later, making him the highest paid coach. An announcement could be imminent.
- Nichols on Hockey: Bob McKenzie on TSN 1050 on the Ducks
“After the Perry injury, of course, they’re going to miss a scoring winger like that. But boy oh boy, they’ve got a lot of depth on that team. You really sense that Bob Murray and the Ducks feel like the window is now for them. And they recognize that in order to get to the Stanley Cup Final, the road might run through Los Angeles – but the Kings aren’t as dominant now as they have been in the past.
“I think Anaheim’s got a bucketful of young prospects and they’re probably not finished dealing yet. I wouldn’t be surprised if they continue to go down the road where maybe they give up some younger assets for more experienced players between now and the deadline and really take a run at the Cup this year.”