Scouting the Montreal Canadiens and Boston Bruins game …
Hockey Inside/Out: Scouts listed to attended last night’s Canadiens – Bruins game: Los Angeles Kings, Dallas Stars, Nashville Predators, San Jose Sharks, Ottawa Senators, Chicago Blackhawks, Washington Capitals, New Jersey Devils, Tampa Bay Lightning, Columbus Blue Jackets, Colorado Avalanche, and Detroit Red Wings
On the Columbus Blue Jackets …
Aaron Portzline answering a bunch of twitter questions.
Aaron Portzline: Though if the offer is big enough, anyone can be available for trade. Don’t see the Blue Jackets wanting to trade Brandon Saad.
Aaron Portzline: Don’t think the Blue Jackets will be looking for a backup goalie just yet. Curtis McElhinney was good against the Coyotes. If Joonas Korpisalo struggles they could consider it.
Aaron Portzline: Looking to acquire a backup goalie is more likely than a No. 1 center. Costs a lot to trade for a No. 1 center and Alex Wennberg has played well.
Aaron Portzline: If things stay the way they are, could see the Blue Jackets adding a proven winner, fourth line center and a third pairing defenseman.
Aaron Portzline: Scott Hartnell as a no-movement clause. Not sure why they would want to trade a productive, experienced player.
Aaron Portzline: Looking like pending UFA Sam Gagner is playing himself into a nice deal for next year. Too early to say if the Blue Jackets will look to re-sign him.
On the Tampa Bay Lightning …
Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times: Don’t expect the Tampa Bay Lightning to fire head coach Jon Cooper or trade Ben Bishop anytime soon. The Lightning could eventually trade Bishop, but there doesn’t appear to be much of a market for goaltenders at the moment.
Lightning GM Steve Yzerman said he’ll look to improve their team via a trade, but added that it’s not easy to make trades in the salary cap world.