On the Ottawa Senators …
Don Brennan of the Ottawa Sun: Talk is the Ottawa Senators and Dallas Stars were discussing a trade at the deadline involving forward Patrick Sharp, but Sharp wouldn’t waive his no-trade clause to come to Ottawa.
Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: One of the Senators top prospects, Colin White, could have his college season over this weekend, but it doesn’t mean that he’ll be joining the Senators when it’s over.
There may not be room for White this season after the deadline acquisitions of Alexandre Burrows, Viktor Stalberg and Chris DiDomenico. Bobby Ryan and Chris Neil are expected to return from injury soon.
White has two more years of college eligibility, but the Senators may be hoping to have him in the NHL next season. If they signed him now and he joined the team, he’d burn a year on his entry-level contract and they may not want to do that. They could sign him to a tryout contract with their AHL team in Binghamton.
On the Vancouver Canucks …
Chris Nichols of FanRag Sports: Darren Dreger on TSN 1040 on the Vancouver Canucks and head coach Willie Desjardins’ future. Desjardins has a year left on his deal and president Trevor Linden said they will look at their options after the season – a full organizational assessment. Dreger was asked if he’s heard anything regarding Desjardins’ future.
“No, I haven’t,” said Dreger. “But you know what’s interesting about that is I’ve actually had other teams – and I can’t be specific to the team or teams who have asked me – but I have been asked about Willie’s future and whether or not the sense is that Vancouver will go in a different direction. And the reason I’ve been asked is there are teams out there who see him as a prime candidate. He’s a respected coach from an NHL perspective.
“It’s a delicate one because if you’re a team that may be making a coaching change, or you’ve already made that change, and you want to put a list together – it’s hard to do until you see all of those who are available outside of the obvious.
“So I think Vancouver is going to have a tough decision to make. But I know this: If they decide to go in a different direction, Willie’s phone will ring.”