Zuccarello not a fit for the Penguins
Dan Kingerski of Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Can’t see where Mats Zuccarello would fit into the Pittsburgh Penguins top-nine unless they moved out another top-nine winger. Moving out the assets to acquire him doesn’t make sense.
Hayes likely too rich for the Rangers
Larry Brooks of the NY Post: New York Rangers forward Kevin Hayes has likely priced himself out of the Rangers market.
Hayes could be the top rental forward on the market leading up the February 25th NHL trade deadline.
What is his trade value? A first-round pick and a decent prospect doesn’t seem like it would be enough.
Acquiring teams usually don’t want to give up roster players, so don’t look for the Winnipeg Jets to be interested in giving up Jacob Trouba.
Ideal trade would see the Rangers get a first round pick and a player that would be able to join their top-nine or top-four, plus another draft pick or player.
Would the Carolina Hurricanes be interested? They have the rights to Harvard defenseman Adam Fox.
Sabres options if they need to replace Skinner
Ryan Stimson of The Athletic: If the Buffalo Sabres are not able to re-sign winger Jeff Skinner, would could their replacement options be?
Would seem crazy that Mark Stone would want to re-sign with the Ottawa Senators.
Senators Matt Duchene is also a free agent.
Sabres GM Jason Botterill may be better off spreading the potential $8-$9 million on two forwards to help round them out better. The could look two to four-year deals for …
Marcus Johansson – New Jersey Devils – Has dealt with concussion issues. Bring offense but also a defensive side. Will be 29-year old next year.
Gustav Nyquist – Detroit Red Wings – Will be 30-years old next season and his having a good year.
Johansson and Nyquist combined could come in at the cost of just Skinner.
On the blueline, Erik Karlsson and Jake Gardiner are the top free agents. Karlsson will likely sign with a team closer to winning the Cup. Gardiner would likely come in at more than Rasmus Ristolainen‘s $5.4 million. He could be a solid partner for Rasmus Dahlin.