On the Vegas Golden Knights …
Aaron Portzline: Golden Knights GM George McPhee said they’ve been studying how then GM Doug Risebrough build the Minnesota Wild in their expansion process.
Andy Graziano: Vegas owner Bill Foley said that there final payment won’t clear by March 1st, so they won’t be players on trade deadline day.
On the New Jersey Devils …
Andrew Gross of The Record: Even though defenseman Kyle Quincey has been through a trade deadline before, it still makes him and his family a little nervous.
“It’s not just me that’s on eggshells,” said Quincey, who blocked two shots and had four of his shot attempts blocked in 20:44. “It’s the wife and the kids and the dog. You’ve got to uproot your life. But I’m definitely not thinking about it. The only focus is getting some wins because we’re definitely not out of it.”
On Teams that could use a defenseman and potential matches …
Pierre LeBru of ESPN: The Pittsburgh Penguins, Winnipeg Jets, Boston Bruins, Montreal Canadiens and New York Rangers are among the teams looking for a defenseman. Pretty much every playoff team could use some depth on the blueline.
Looking at some defenseman who could be available, and where they could end up.
Mark Streit: The Flyers might have to retain some of Streit’s $5.25 million cap hit, but he might be a good fit beside Canadiens defenseman Shea Weber.
Dmitry Kulikov: The Sabres could wait till the last minute whether to trade him or not. If they get a good offer for the pending free agent, they could move him. The Jets and Sabres have made a deal in the past, and if the Jets remain in the hunt, they could be a good landing spot.
Kyle Quincey: Carries a $1.25 million cap hit and can play on both sides. He could give the Penguins some needed depth.
Michael Del Zotto: The Flyers should be able to get at least a third round pick for him. He could be plan B for the Bruins.
Brendan Smith: If the Blues trade Kevin Shattenkirk, the Blues could give up a mid-round pick for Smith.
Ron Hainsey: Has been playing 22 minutes a night, and carries a $2.8 million cap hit. Could be a good add for a young team.
