On the Vancouver Canucks …
Jason Botchford of the Vancouver Province: Looking at five players the Canucks should or would target in a trade.
- Gabriel Landeskog – Would give the Canucks some size and grit. Hard to see the Avs moving him unless they get a huge return. Would the Avs be interested in Chris Tanev? Would the Canucks want to move Tanev?
2. David Krejci – Carries a cap hit over $7 million. Would Krejci for Alex Edler work for both sides?3. Tyson Barrie – Tanev’s name would likely have to be brought up in any talks.
4. Evander Kane – The Canucks will be interested if the Sabres put him on the market. The Canucks could try to buy low on Kane. Other teams will be interested in Kane as well.
5. Scott Hartnell – Hartnell has three years left at a $4.75 million cap hit. The contract is terrible and the Canucks would have to include someone like Luca Sbisa, possibly even retaining some of salary. Could make sense for both teams.
On the Columbus Blue Jackets …
Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: Source saying the Blue Jackets are close to signing center Sam Gagner and that the deal could be done as soon as Monday. Signing Gagner may allow the Blue Jackets to move Boone Jenner back to left wing where John Tortorella perfers him. Brandon Dubinsky would likely be their first line center. Gagner, Alexander Wennberg and William Karlsson would battle for their second and third line center spots.
On Las Vegas …
Darren Dreger: Kelly McCrimmon is expected to be named to Las Vegas’ management team sometime this week.