Alzer did get some trade interest
David Pagnotta: When he was placed on waivers, Montreal Canadiens Karl Alzner did get some interest. Heard that the Dallas Stars, Toronto Maple Leafs, New York Islanders and Colorado Avalanche were among the teams that reached out to the Canadiens. The Canadiens would have to take back a player as well as retain salary.
Some teams believe that Alzner doesn’t fit into the Canadiens system and that a change of scenery could help Alzner. His salary cap hit and money would need to make sense for the team that is trading for him.
Zuccarello knows he could be on the move
Brett Cyrgalis of NY Post: New York Rangers pending UFA Mats Zuccarello knows that he could be traded ahead of the February 25th NHL trade deadline.
“A trade appears to be most likely,” Zuccarello said, according to Kvatningen’s translation, sent to The Post and which went along with the audio posted online. “I guess am prepared for it. Basically, I’m just waiting for it to happen. It’s a tough spot to be in, if I’m being honest.”
Zuccarello has been out with a groin injury. He’s said for a while that he wanted to stay in New York, but that could be changing.
“I’ve always said that I only ever want to play for the New York Rangers,” Zuccarello said, “but I’ve been thinking … I’m getting older and maybe I could use a new spark.”
Rangers GM Jeff Gorton could look to sign fellow pending UFA Kevin Hayes to a long-term deal as opposed to trading him.
It would take a big offer for the Rangers to move Chris Kreider.
The Rangers could look to move defensemen Adam McQuaid and Freddy Claesson.
“It will be a very sad day, of course,” Zuccarello said of a potential trade. “I’ve been here a long time and know everyone in the organization, so it will be very sad. But I also think that it can be a positive thing, if it happens. You can get a spark from trying something new.”