On Scouting the Philadelphia Flyers and Tampa Bay Lightning …
Adam Kimelman: Scouts listed to attend the Flyers – Lightning game: Chicago Blackhawks, Toronto Maple Leafs, Vegas Golden Knights, Columbus Blue Jackets, Florida Panthers, Dallas Stars and Detroit Red Wings.
On the Ottawa Senators …
Don Brennan of the Ottawa Sun: The Senators could use someone like Colorado Avalanche defenseman Francois Beauchemin. He has one-year left on his deal at a $4.5 million salary cap hit.
On trade talk, Colorado Avalanche, Tampa Bay Lightning, Boston Bruins, Montreal Canadiens, Arizona Coyotes and Chicago Blackhawks …
Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: A decision if the NHL will go to the 2018 Winter Olympics should be made soon. The deadline could be set around mid-January for a decision.
League executive said that trade talk has increased as team reps were watching the World Juniors in Montreal. It may not mean that deals are coming though as “too many teams are in it.” The only sellers at the moment may be the Arizona Coyotes, Colorado Avalanche, New York Islanders and Buffalo Sabres.
Keep an eye on Avs Jarome Iginla, Gabriel Landeskog and Matt Duchene.
The Tampa Bay Lightning are looking for a forward.
The Boston Bruins are still looking for a defenseman and forward Ryan Spooner could be available.
The Edmonton Oilers are looking for some depth up front.
With Brendan Gallagher being out for two months, have to wonder if the Montreal Canadiens will be looking for a forward.
The Arizona Coyotes have spoken with several teams about Martin Hanzal. It would make sense for the Canadiens to take a look at Hanzal. Many think the Coyotes GM John Chayka overvalues his players and the asking price is high.
The Chicago Blackhawks have increased their efforts to acquire a forward. GM Stan Bowman would like to add some depth. They will look at Iginla, but the Blackhawks have cap issues.
