Scouting the Toronto Maple Leafs and New York Islanders …
David Pagnotta: Scouts listed to attend last night’s Maple Leafs-Islanders game: New York Rangers, Chicago Blackhawks, Ottawa Senators, Nashville Predators, Philadelphia Flyers, New Jersey Devils, Winnipeg Jets, Boston Bruins, Washington Capitals, Colorado Avalanche, Pittsburgh Penguins, Minnesota Wild, Arizona Coyotes, Vancouver Canucks, Dallas Stars, and the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Scouting the Detroit Red Wings and San Jose Sharks …
Craig Custance: A light NHL schedule last night. 12 teams listed to attend last night’s Red Wings-Sharks game including two from the Maple Leafs and the Jets.
On the Philadelphia Flyers …
TSN: Craig Button thinks the Philadelphia Flyers are in the playoff hunt – one of seven teams for four spots – that their goaltending is good enough, but they could use a centerman. It doesn’t have to be a frontline guy, but a No. 2 or No. 3. Button mentions the Brayden Schenn trade to the Blues and that sometimes you don’t realize what you have until it’s gone. Having Nolan Patrick being asked to be the No. 2 guys – it doesn’t match up well against good teams.
On the Vancouver Canucks …
TSN Radio Vancouver: Jason Botchford on the Canucks leading up to the NHL trade deadline: “If #Canucks truly want to be a draft and develop team, cannot re-sign Gudbranson and Vanek, and must stockpile draft picks.”
TSN Radio Vancouver: Ray Ferraro on the Canucks considering re-signing defenseman Erik Gudbranson: “I don’t get it. What exactly are you trying to do? If you need toughness, go sign toughness for $800k. Not a defenseman who’s not in your top four and you pay him upwards of $4m. The thought of 5 years at $5m makes me rattle my brain around.”
TSN Radio Vancouver: Ferraro continuing on Gudbranson: “And it’s not his fault. He’s a free-agent, he should get what he can. But you’re either moving into the future, or you’re standing in the same water. And signing Gudbranson is standing in the same water.”