On the Arizona Coyotes …
Eric Engels: Was told yesterday morning that the Coyotes could trade Martin Hanzal soon. Activity on him is heating up, with the Montreal Canadiens as one of the teams interested.
L.A. Lariviere: Have been the hearing the same thing , “but can’t say how much talks have picked up, IF they have.”
Craig Morgan: “I wouldn’t put much (if any) stock in those Martin Hanzal trade rumors you are seeing/hearing.”
Craig Custance: The Coyotes haven’t ruled out a contract extension for Martin Hanzal. He may not get traded and there is nothing imminent.
On the Vancouver Canucks …
Jason Brough of Pro Hockey Talk: The 36-year Ryan Miller will be a free agent after the season, and he’s not sure what his future holds.
“It’s not something that Jim or anybody is really concerned about at the moment,” Miller told TSN 1040 on Wednesday. “I’m not really sure what their plans are, so it’s hard to say what mine would be. I’ve enjoyed my time here, but I don’t know what their long-term plan would be. I think it’s more dependent on what kind of hockey we’re playing. I gotta get my game to a high level.”
Miller could be traded at the deadline, but it may not be easy if his numbers (2-7-0 with a .899 save percentage) don’t improve. He does have a limited no-trade clause. The Canucks may not get much for him if they do move him.
The Canucks could look to re-sign Miller if they want to give Jacob Markstrom more time to show he can be a No. 1 and if Thatcher Demko needs to develop more in the AHL.
Maybe the Ducks would be interested in Miller after the season if they don’t re-sign Jonathan Bernier. Maybe Las Vegas is an option. GM George McPhee will likely have better options through the expansion draft though.