On the San Jose Sharks …
Paul Gackle of The Mercury News: Over the weekend head coach Pete DeBoer made it clear that they need to acquire a fourth line center before the trade deadline.
Sources are saying that the Sharks are actively shopping for one.
The hole at center has been cause the offseason departure of Patrick Marleau as Tomas Hertl as moved to the wing on the second line, with Chris Tierney moving up to the third line.
On the fourth line, they have gone through Ryan Carpenter (waived), Danny O’Regan, Joel Ward and Barclay Goodrow with little success.
The Sharks might be hoping that they can trade Paul Martin for a center.
The idea of trading backup goalie Aaron Dell and any of their young defensemen shouldn’t be an option. GM Doug Wilson said last month they don’t plan on trading any of their young forwards. The Sharks also don’t have a second or third-round pick this year.
On the Montreal Canadiens and Columbus Blue Jackets …
Chris Nichols of FanRag Sports: Elliotte Friedman on the NHL Network on if the Canadiens could trade forward Alex Galchenyuk before the trade deadline.
“I do think there’s a chance,” indicated Friedman. “I think Marc Bergevin is a guy who’s willing to consider a lot of different options and do a lot of different things. His name being out there, Galchenyuk, is not a surprise. I think it’s been out there for awhile.
“One of the things I’ve kind of heard is that Columbus is a team that’s been looking for offense. They have had interest in him before. I don’t know where it stands right now. But one thing I’ve learned is that if you’re in it, you’re always keeping an eye on it. And if Columbus needs to find offense and he’s the best option, he’s a guy they’ve checked out in the past.”