On the World Cup …
Aivis Kalnins: Team Russia has said they won’t replace defenseman Slava Voynov on their roster, and that he will be a part of their team at the World Cup of Hockey. They have contacted their lawyers and will make sure the he is allowed to represent Russia. The NHL may agree to let Voynov play for Russia if he’s allowed into Canada, which is unlikely.
On the Montreal Canadiens …
Jimmy Murphy: One executive who was at the combine in Buffalo asked yesterday: “Why did I hear so much about P.K. Subban maybe getting traded?”
On the Winnipeg Jets …
Chris Nichols of Today’s Slapshot: Darren Dreger on TSN 1290 on Matt Duchene and Jacob Trouba trade rumors.
“Well, it’s a rumor. I believe that it was put out and developed by members of the media. Not to say that it’s not a possibility.
“I think that there are three possibilities. 1, the Winnipeg Jets find a way to sign Jacob Trouba, and he stays with the Jets long term. 2, obviously they trade him, which is a sexier topic right now and will continue to be that. Or 3, he holds out. I mean, those are the three realities that Cheveldayoff and the Winnipeg Jets are facing in this ongoing negotiation.”
Dreger doesn’t think that Trouba would go for a bridge as he likely believes he’s shown enough to get a long-term deal. Players and agents use big term and numbers to sometimes help encourage a trade.
“But I’ve been told by both parties here that Jacob Trouba is absolutely willing to sign and stay in Winnipeg.”
Chris Nichols of Today’s Slapshot: Darren Dreger on TSN 1290 on the contract negotiations between the Winnipeg Jets and RFA Mark Scheifele.
“Mark Scheifele, without question, is going to have a long future with the Winnipeg Jets. I know the agent, or at least I was told, the agent met with the Winnipeg Jets, I think in Buffalo during the Combine. So there’s an ongoing back and forth. But I think that applies to both sides. It’s an ongoing negotiation. I don’t have the information to suggest that there’s been progress made in the negotiations with Mark Scheifele, but anytime there’s a face-to-face, you know that it’s at least headed in the right direction.”