- Andrew Gross of The Record: There are whispers that the Rangers could be gauging the interest for winger Marian Gaborik. It may not be until the offseason or until they think a new deal is implausible. His five year, $37.5 million contract expires after next season. There seems to be a growing disconnect between coach John Tortorella and Gaborik. Gaborik has been dropped to the third line on occasion, and has been switched to left wing this year.
- Bruce Garrioch via twitter: After acquiring Matt Kassian earlier this week, Senators GM Bryan Murray won’t be rushing to make any trades.
“It depends on how the team plays and the needs at the time,” said Murray. “We’ve got a number of bodies that hopefully are coming back in the near future.
“We’ll just have to wait to see how it plays out and if, and what, we can down around the trade deadline with the personnel that we have.”
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: (mailbag) Reader asks about the Stars possibly looking at Jack Johnson for Trevor Daly and a prospect deal. Heika’s magic eight-ball says to “Ask again later.” Heika notes that Johnson is injury prone and Daly hasn’t been. The Blue Jackets may not make Johnson available. Heika thinks most teams will pass on Panthers Brian Campbell due to his three years remaining at $7.1 million.
- Don Brennan of the Ottawa Sun: Don’t think for minute that the Ducks will trade Corey Perry in the next month. Brennan thinks it makes sense for the Senators to go after him in the offseason. He could line up with one of best playmakers in Jason Spezza and one of the most dynamic defenseman in Erik Karlsson. They have the cap space.
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: LeBrun says to watch the Kings if and when the Jarome Iginla sweepstakes begin. The Bruins and Penguins are interested, but the Kings have the right mix and could dangle Jonathan Bernier. LeBrun thinks the Kings may want to get a pick as well with Iginla for a possible future franchise goalie. The Red Wings could be interested in Iginla as well.Canucks GM Mike Gillis has been working the phones the last 7 to 10 days. They desperately want to find help up the middle. They may have been in the running for Stephen Weiss before he got hurt. They’ve checked in with the Sabres regarding Steve Ott. It doesn’t look like the Sabres are interested in moving him at this point.
The Rangers may not be shopping Marian Gaborik, but he is available if he brings them some of their targets at the deadline. The Rangers are looking for a right handed top-four defenseman and a couple bottom-six grinding type forwards.
- Dennis Bernstein via twitter: Bernstein is hearing that Kings Tyler Toffoli may not be an untouchable. John Hoven via twitter: Hoven would only label Tyler Toffoli and Tanner Pearson as untouchable. All others could be in play for a defenseman.