Scouting the Chicago Blackhawks and San Jose Sharks …
Scott Powers: Scouts listed to attend last night’s Blackhawks-Sharks game: Buffalo Sabres (2), Winnipeg Jets (2), and the Minnesota Wild.
Did Vegas have other reasons to help out Pittsburgh?
John Shannon: “So my question…why would Vegas take money on Brassard and help Pittsburgh? It appears otherwise, Brassard was heading to a western team, VGK got involved to keep him in the east. As I was told “Better to face him in round 4 than 2.”
John Shannon: “Am told that western team was Winnipeg”
A big blow to the Winnipeg Jets, and a fallback option …
Craig Custance: The Jets made a big push for Derick Brassard and it was a big blow for them. He would have been a nice fit.
David Pagnotta: “Was told Winnipeg was really, really close to acquiring Brassard. Pens needed a third team to make it happen; Vegas jumped in, gets a pick & keeps Brass out of West… …Other possible factor? Knights have had talks with Sens about Karlsson. Future love factor? Worth a shot.”
Matt Larkin: Canadiens center Tomas Plekanec could be a fallback option for the Jets after losing out on Brassard. He’s good on the draw, can kill penalties, and can bring some offense.
Scott Billeck: Forward Ryan Hartman has been mentioned as possible target for the Jets.
Calls to Montreal increased yesterday …
Pierre LeBrun: Once word leaked that Brassard was getting traded, the number of calls to the Montreal Canadiens on Tomas Plekanec picked up. The Canadiens should have enough info to make a decision on what to with him by Monday.
Options now for the Jets and Columbus Blue Jackets …
Pierre LeBrun: The Jets and Blue Jackets pushed for Brassard. Both teams have shown interest in Rick Nash as well.
Nash and then Kane?
Mike Harrington: Believe that Rick Nash is more attractive to teams than Evander Kane and will be traded first. Teams that lose out on Nash will then turn to the Sabres.
