On the Vancouver Canucks …
- Dan Murphy: Murphy wonders if Dan Hamhuis even wants to waive his no-trade clause. Murphy doesn’t think he really wants to. The Canucks were able to get Jason Garrison to when he didn’t really want to.
- Ben Kuzma of the Vancouver Province: Radim Vrbata has only scored one goal in the past 17 games and is pace to score only 18 this season. The Vancouver Canucks may be showcasing Vrbata, as well as hoping they remain in the playoff race.Vrbata and Hamhuis could be moved out by the Canucks as rental players. The Capitals and Penguins are looking for a veteran top-four defenseman.
The Canucks would be really happy if they could get a high draft pick or prospect for Vrbata. Vrbata on the trade rumors.
“You know it’s out there, but you don’t have too much control over it,” Vrbata said of the trade-deadline speculation.
“You have some protection in the contract (a modified no-trade clause), but all you can do is play and see how it shapes up.
“I signed for two seasons (at $10 million US) and have no desire to leave, even though this season is not going as well. You sign up for something, you have to deal with the good and the bad. If it (a trade) happens, it happens, and you go from there.”
On the New York Rangers …
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: New York Rangers defenseman Ryan McDonagh is out with a concussion, and his injury will play a role in if the Rangers trade pending UFA Keith Yandle. The Rangers don’t know if it will be long-term or short-term. If McDonagh’s symptoms linger, they can’t think about trading Yandle.
- The Rangers dressed four right handed defenseman last night, with Dan Boyle playing on the right side. GM Jeff Gorton might even have to consider adding a left handed defenseman if McDonagh is going to miss a significant amount of time.