On the Vancouver Canucks and Boston Bruins …
Rick Dhaliwal: The Bruins scouted the Canucks-Panthers earlier this week. The Bruins were interested in Thomas Vanek two years ago, and are believed to be one of the teams interested in defenseman Ben Hutton.
J.D. Burke: The Canucks have liked Ryan Spooner for years. He’s had an up-and-down year with the Bruins.
Patrick Johnston: Canucks GM Jim Benning was running the Bruins drafts when they selected Spooner in the 2010 draft.
J.D. Burke: (asked if a Ryan Spooner for Ben Hutton trade if fair value) At first thought the Canucks would win the trade, but Canucks should be looking at prospects. The Bruins do have some interesting prospects.
On the Arizona Coyotes …
TSN Radio Vancouver: Coyotes forward Max Domi on the trade rumors: “It’s been a tough year for our team and for us as individuals. That’s part of the business, you expect that stuff. But that’s beyond our control. For me, it doesn’t change a whole lot. It’s just noise in the background.”
On the New York Islanders …
Steven Marcus of Newsday: Islanders GM Garth Snow has made it clear that he won’t be trading pending free agent John Tavares anytime soon.
The Islanders likely won’t be trading draft picks on the deadline to bring in players.
“I’m not trading John, I’ve stated that,’’ Snow said Wednesday. “I know I sound like a broken record but any conversations I have with John or his agent (Pat Brisson) remain private.’’
Snow wouldn’t comment on whether there have been any contract talks with Tavares, but it’s believed that money wouldn’t hold up a deal.
Snow said they won’t make any panic moves to keep them in the playoff race.
“We have obviously two first-round picks, two second-round picks . . . We’re a team that’s right on the edge of getting in the playoffs and not being in the playoffs.
“So, are we going to at this point in time, be giving first round picks and high picks for rental players? I don’t think we’re in that position. Just doesn’t make sense.’’