On the Edmonton Oilers …
Pierre LeBrun: After Rick Nash was dealt morning, Patrick Maroon trade talk picked up. Was told that seven teams had spoken with the Oilers.
On the Florida Panthers …
Joe Smith: The Panthers are aggressively going after Rangers defenseman Ryan McDonagh.
On the New York Islanders …
Chris Botta: “Not saying they should trade him, but if the #Isles at this point are actually telling teams they’re not even listening to offers for John Tavares, that’s outright incompetence. They must be listening. They can’t possibly be that out of touch.”
On the New York Rangers and Columbus Blue Jackets …
Aaron Portzline: There is a sense that the Rangers will likely move Ryan McDonagh before the trade market for Jack Johnson picks up. There is no guarantee that the Blue Jackets will even trade Johnson.
On the New York Rangers …
Damien Cox: “Jeff Gorton could emerge as the really big winner out of the deadline. On the surface, he’s selling. Or is the reality that he’s actually a buyer, using assets to purchase cap space, draft picks and prospects? Perhaps we need to re-define buying and selling at the deadline.”
Ken Warren: If the Senators don’t trade Erik Karlsson at the deadline, the Rangers currently have six draft picks in the first three rounds – two in each round.
Larry Brooks: The Rangers could move recently acquired Ryan Spooner in a larger deal now or at the draft, which may be the way to go.
Laura Albanese: GM Jeff Gorton: “I think there’s a lot of work that could be done” before the deadline and that there could be a lot of movement.
Dan Rosen: “To dispel any crazy rumors or thoughts, Henrik Lundqvist says he loves the Rangers, can’t see himself anywhere else, wants to win only here and the Rangers haven’t asked him if he even would consider moving. It’s NOT happening.”