On the Philadelphia Flyers …
Dave Isaac of the Courier-Post: The Flyers have three pending free agent defensemen in Michael Del Zotto, Nick Schultz and Mark Streit. The Flyers will likely end up with one or two rookie defensemen next year, so they’ll still need to bring back some veteran presence. If Del Zotto isn’t looking for too much money and finishes the year strong, the Flyers could bring him back.
“I know what I can provide to whatever I am, hopefully being here, but understand it is a business,” he said. “My No. 1 concern right now is just being healthy and getting back in. We realize where we are in the standings. I know I can help this team win.”
On the Buffalo Sabres …
Jason Brough of Pro Hockey Talk: Sabres GM Tim Murray has liked Evander Kane‘s play this season. He wouldn’t just give him away, but the Sabres could use an upgrade on their blueline, and Kane could be an option to help with that.
“I wouldn’t rule it out,” Murray told WGR 550 radio when asked if Kane could get traded ahead of the March 1 deadline.
“Is there a crazy deal that somebody could throw at me that would force me to do it? I guess there is.”
Murray adds …
“I’m not pursuing a trade with him,” Murray insisted. “I haven’t made a call, with regards to him, to other teams. I’m a big fan of his game. He plays in our top six. He plays a hard, gritty, heavy game — with speed. And that’s a rare, rare combination.”
The Sabres could look to trade Kane this offseason if they don’t move him at the deadline. He’s eligible to sign a contract extension after July 1st.
Defenseman Cody Franson will miss at least the next two games with a foot injury. He is a pending unrestricted free agent that could get moved by the trade deadline.