On the Dallas Stars …
Answering twitter questions…
Mike Heika: If the Stars buyout either goalie, it would cost them $1.97 million for two years for Kari Lehtonen or $1.48 million for two years for Antti Niemi.
Mike Heika: Think that the Stars could look acquire Marc-Andre Fleury, but would it be smart asset management for the Stars to take on two more years of Fleury (3.15 GAA and .906 SV%) at $5.75 million per season?
Mike Heika: The Stars could look to trade Patrick Eaves if they become sellers. Should be a good market for him with his $1 million cap hit.
On the Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs and Winnipeg Jets …
Chris Nichols of FanRag Sports: Elliotte Friedman on Sportsnet on the trade deadline and what Canadian teams might be looking to do leading up to the trade deadline. Friedman thinks the Canadiens are the most likely Canadian team to swing for the fences. Other GMs are staying that Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin has his fingers in everything.
“Montreal’s window is now. They’ve had conversations with Martin Hanzal. Arizona’s ask was Michael McCarron, a first-rounder, and another conditional draft pick. That was too rich to pay, but I think the Canadiens are going to be in for the biggest fish.”
The Toronto Maple Leafs won’t be giving up future assets for any short-term gains, they won’t deviate from their plan.
“I think they’re going to just do nothing unless it fits the long-term plan,” said Friedman. “I don’t see them doing any major surgery.”
The Jets have dealt with goaltending issues this season.
“To me it says, ‘Is it important to make the playoffs this year,’” noted the Insider. “I would love to see Winnipeg take a chance on someone like Ben Bishop for the rest of the season. You don’t have to keep him. You can hand the net back to Hellebuyck next year. But if you’re asking me a trade I’d like to see made, I’d love to see Winnipeg try Ben Bishop.”