On the New York Rangers …
Andy Strickland: Hearing that the Rangers are more interested in top prospects and roster players over draft picks.
On the Pittsburgh Penguins …
Darren Dreger: Ian Cole is now playing 17-18 minutes per game. It’s looking like Matt Hunwick could be on the trade block as the Penguins need the salary cap space to acquire a forward.
On the Columbus Blue Jackets …
Aaron Portzline: The Blues Jackets are definitely interested in Derick Brassard, but the asking price is steep.
On the Drew Doughty and Erik Karlsson …
Chris Nichols of FanRag Sports: Elliotte Friedman was on Sportsnet 590 talking about the trade deadline and a few other hockey notes.
believes that Drew Doughty will stay in Los Angeles, that they’ll do what they can to make that happen. They traded for Dion Phaneuf because they felt they needed to improve their blue line. Their young guys didn’t play as well as they had hoped.
“Even as Doughty was making all of this noise the last year, which I think part of it he does because he likes to see the reaction, I have always believes the Kings will step up and they will keep him.”
doesn’t think that Erik Karlsson will be traded at the trade deadline, but he may be wearing a different jersey before his contract expires.
“Yes, I would say that is way more likely,” agreed Friedman. “Now, I said and continue to say I think Erik Karlsson at certain times has been searching for reasons to stay in Ottawa. This is not a shot at Pierre Dorion with the extension. I just think as long as Melnyk is the owner it makes it tougher for him to keep Karlsson. I don’t know. I’m not expecting Karlsson to be dealt by the deadline, but you wouldn’t have to knock me over with a feather if it happened.”