On the Columbus Blue Jackets …
Aaron Portzline: “#CBJ pursuing all avenues to load up offensively, but pecking order appears to be trade first, then FA market. Could be fun day on Saturday … No. 1 pursuit remains No. 1 center, but only guy who fits that bill via UFA is Joe Thornton, who turns 38 on Sunday. Trade more likely. #CBJ … #Avs Duchene makes too much sense. On trade market after down year, but most expect bounce-back. Exceptional faceoff man, which #CBJ need … So what’s the price for Duchene? Have to assume #CBJ D Ryan Murray is part of it. He needs a bigger role than #CBJ can provide w top 4 … #Avs badly need a young centerpiece on defense, but it’ll take more than Murray. Jenner? Atkinson? Bjorkstrand? Dubois? #CBJ … Not sure any other #CBJ prospect besides Dubois makes sense or moves #Avs needle at top end of the trade. Bet two roster players required … If #CBJ move a winger as part of package to land center, they could hit UFA market to replace. Or maybe this is where Kovalchuk finds a fit.”
On the Vancouver Canucks …
Rick Dhaliwal: Hearing that the Canucks have interest in Lance Bouma who was bought out by the Flames
Rick Dhaliwal: Hearing the Canucks have mild interest in Martin Hanzal.
Rick Dhaliwal: Chris Tanev‘s eight team no-trade clause kicked in at midnight last night.
On the Boston Bruins …
Shawn Hutcheon: Bruins GM Don Sweeney on their future: “We need to be a deeper, more talented team and I remain committed to it. I believe in our prospects.”
On the Anaheim Ducks …
Eric Stephens of the OC Register: The Ducks are interested in Ryan Miller and Elliotte Friedman suggested that Miller could be open to signing for a $1 million for next season.
The Ducks and Cam Fowler could be closing in on an eight-year contract extension that could be signed tomorrow at the earliest.
The Ducks could use another scorer and maybe some depth down the middle as Ryan Kesler won’t be ready for the start of the season.
The Ducks are rumored to be interested in Patrick Marleau.