- TSN Insider Trading: McKenzie: trade talk is picking up and Coyotes Keith Yandle’s name is coming up again. It’s not the first time that Yandle has been in the rumors, but this could be the year that he’s moved. The Coyotes could look to get a top-six forward back in a deal. The Red Wings would be one of the teams that would be interested.
LeBrun: the Sabres may be looking to trade one of their pending UFA goalies. GM Tim Murray may be looking to re-signing one of them and trading the other: Jhonas Enroth and Michal Neuvirth.Dreger: Blues T.J. Oshie, Patrik Berglund and Alex Steen have appeared in rumors, but it seems unlikely that they would move any of them.
- James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail: Maple Leafs pending UFA defenseman Cody Franson had always wanted to be a Leaf, loves being a Leaf, and hopes to remain a Leaf. Franson is 12th in scoring among blueliners heading into last night’s play. He’s right handed shot which is a hot commodity. The Leafs and Franson have had some contract issues in the past which has seen him sign three consecutive one-year deals. He’s making $3.3 million this year. He would get a big contract on the open market. Would he take a bit of a discount to remain with the Leafs? If they could get him on a good term for under $5 million, they should strongly consider it. The Leafs will also have to deal with free agents Nazem Kadri and Jonathan Bernier. They may also try to re-sign Mike Santorelli, Daniel Winnik and Richard Panik to relatively inexpensive deals. They might have to free up some money by trading Joffrey Lupul or James Reimer.
- The Fourth Period: Though a trade doesn’t appear to be imminent, Kings GM Dean Lombardi has been taking calls and considering their options. Trade speculation has brought up Kyle Clifford’s name again. He was almost dealt to the Oilers last year.
- The Fourth Period: The Oilers are not expected to trade Ryan Nugent-Hopkins or Taylor Hall. Source saying that Jordan Eberle is “very much in play,” but they are looking for a big return for him. The Oilers have been looking for a top-two center, a No. 1 goalie and a top-pairing defenseman. If they trade Eberle, they may also need a top-six winger to replace him. A big trade like this may be better suited for the offseason, but they will look at their options leading up to the deadline. The Oilers have been dangling Jeff Petry, David Perron, Nail Yakupov, Teddy Purcell and Justin Schultz.