On the Pittsburgh Penguins …
Sam Werner: Penguins GM Jim Rutherford said that they are not looking to trade for a goalie right now, but “if we get to a point where we have to change course … we’ll look at all options.”
On Teddy Purcell …
Aivis Kalnins: Hearing that Teddy Purcell could be close to a deal with Avangard Omsk of the KHL.
On the Buffalo Sabres …
The Fourth Period: Sabres GM Jason Botterill continues to search the trade market to improve his team. Despite acquiring Marco Scandella and Nathan Beaulieu this offseason, Botterill continues to look for a defenseman.
Sam Reinhart‘s name has come up a possible trade chip. The Sabres aren’t looking to move Reinhart just to make a move, but to possibly include him in a larger deal to get an impact player.
The Sabres have held some internal talks about signing winger Evander Kane to a contract extension. It’s not known if the Sabres and Kane’s camp have had any meaningful talks.
On the Colorado Avalanche …
Adrian Dater of BSN Denver: (mailbag) thinks that Matt Duchene would like to be traded, but don’t get that the sense that he is becoming “more frustrated” the longer he remains in Colorado. It may eventually become a more prominent distraction though.
It doesn’t sound like there is anything imminent with regards to a Duchene trade. Any deal has to at least include a good defenseman or a real good defensive prospect, as well as another pick or prospect. After this year’s trade deadline, GM Joe Sakic won’t be able to get anything close to what he’s looking for in return.
thinks that Sakic will trade Duchene by Christmas if they have a mediocre record. If they have a good record and are somewhat in the playoff race, a move by the trade deadline is more likely.