On the Anaheim Ducks …
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Matheson wonders if the Ducks would consider trading one of their young defensemen for a rental forward in Andrew Ladd.They have five defensemen under 25 – Hampus Lindholm, Cam Fowler, Sami Vatanen, Josh Manson and Simon Despres – and very good prospects in Shea Theodore, Brandon Montour and Jacob Larsson. Ducks GM Bob Murray likely wouldn’t want to give up that much for a rental.
Vatanen might be the player the Ducks would be willing to move for a winger who has some term left on his contract.
On the Edmonton Oilers …
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Teams will likely be calling the Oilers before the deadline about forward Matt Hendricks. The 34-year old can play center and on the wing, as well as kill penalties. He has another year left at $1.8 million. Hendricks wants to stay in Edmonton though.
“My heart’s here and I want to stay and help turn this around,” said Hendricks.
“I’ve put a lot of sweat and tears … blood, sweat and tears into this locker room, trying to help change (the culture). I take pride in the growth that’s been shown.”
The Blackhawks and Panthers are familiar with him.
- Jim Matheson: “I love Yakupov as a guy. Works his butt off, rink rat, cares. But, I’m tired of people saying Oil coaches should play him with better players. Yak was No. 1 player picked in 2012 draft. No. 1 picks are supposed to make other players better. He needs change of scenery.”
Scouting the Edmonton Oilers and Anaheim Ducks game last night …
- Ryan Rishaug: On the scouting list for the Oilers – Ducks: Stars, Predators, Canadiens, Flames, Panthers, Maple Leafs, Bruins, Jets, Coyotes, Blue Jackets, Rangers and Red Wings.
Scouting the Columbus Blue Jackets and Boston Bruins game last night …
- Aaron Portzline: On the scouting list for the Blue Jackets – Bruins: Sharks, Red Wings and Maple Leafs