Sean Fitz-Gerald of the National Post: “We’ve stripped down and added a lot of young assets,” Burke told the crowd. “We’ve gone through, now, the selling part of this process. We are buyers now. We’re trying to add a defenceman right now.” Burke said he wanted to add a defenseman by the end of , and has a couple things going on. MacArthur could be moved before the deadline if contract talks don’t go well. Burke hopes to make some more moves before the 28th trade deadline.
Andy Strickland of True Hockey: Sources told Strickland that the Panthers and Rangers had a deal almost done for Bryan McCabe several weeks ago but he broke his jaw. They may re-visit the deal. McCabe has a no-movement clause and he may be very selective as to where he’d go.
Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Senators and Chris Phillips have talked contract extension (possibly a 3 year deal), but if they can’t get a deal done, he could be moved. Chris Neil has apparently given the Senators a list of 10 teams he can’t be dealt too. The Rangers could be interested in Neil who has 2 years with a $2 million cap hit. The Rangers are said to be interested in Filip Kuba, who has another year left at a $3.7 million cap hit. There may only be 1 or 2 teams interested in Alexei Kovalev, and he wouldn’t cost much.
Helene Elliott of the LA Times: The Kings were interested in James Neal before he was dealt yesterday but weren’t interested in giving up one of their top defenseman for him. They’ve looked David Booth and Ales Hemsky, but won’t move Brayden Schenn.
Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The Oilers could buyout Sheldon Souray after the season. Coach Tom Renney added, “Would the Oilers take him back next year? I would keep an open mind,” said Renney. The fact that Souray has 1 more year left on his deal is what likely scared teams off. Souray’s foot speed was also an issue.
David Pagnotta of the Fourth Period: The Canadiens are looking for a top 6 forward and a shutdown defenseman. Dustin Penner, Rostislav Klesla, Kristian Huselius, Chris Phillips and Ryan Suter have been linked to the Canadiens. Canadiens GM Yannick Weber, Andrei Kostitsyn and Lars Eller, among others may be being used as trade bait.The Kings are after Ales Hemsky. Wayne Simmonds and Brayden Schenn may be available for a ‘top-line player’. Brad Richards will also interest in the LA Kings. It’s being said that Richards will only waive his no-trade if GM Joe Nieuwendyk insists. The Rangers would love to get Richards, but may be in a better position to trade for Hemsky, McCabe and/or Brad Boyes. Michael Del Zotto might be moved for right player. Del Zotto may have been in discussion in a deal involving Tomas Kaberle before he was dealt to Boston. John-Michael Liles is being “shopped hard” by the Avalanche.Aside for Klesla and Huselius, the Blue Jackets may be shopping Jakub Voracek. GM Scott Howson didn’t like what the Penguins wanted for Alex Goligoski. The Flames can’t afford Huselius, and could be looking for a gritty 2nd-3rd liner, Chris Neil could be an option.
Mike Harrington of the Buffalo News: Teams like Pittsburgh, Washington or Los Angeles could be interested in Tim Connolly. Many people will be surprised if Connolly last the week. Matthew Barnaby adds via twitter: They can’t wait to get Connolly’s contract off the books.
Allen Panzeri of the Ottawa Citizen: Senators forward Peter Regin suffered a shoulder injury on Saturday in a game against the Leafs and could be done for the season. “We won’t know more until the test,” he said. “It could be worse (than we first thought).”
Mark Emmons of the San Jose Mercury News: Sharks forward Scott Nicol is out with an upper-body injury. Defenseman Marc-Edouard Vlasic practiced yesterday and could be in the lineup tonight. Kent Huskins is not likely to play.
Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun: Mike Brown and Colby Armstrong should be back in the Leafs lineup tonight on a line with Darryl Boyce. Joey Crabb and Christian Hanson could be healthy scratches. The Leafs might have to call up a defenseman as Brett Lebda has a big bruise on his leg after being hit with a slapshot.
