The Fourth Period: The Chicago Blackhawks and Atlanta Thrashers have been heavily scouting each other this year, and might be setting something up for a future deal. The ‘Hawks could be looking for a Dman, and Brent Sopel could be an option. The Thrashers may like Jack Skille.
Kevin Allen of the USA Today: The Red Wings aren’t looking at expensive goalies, such as JS Giguere. Chris Phillips will be easier to move than Sergei Gonchar as the later has 2 years remaining. The Calgary Flames aren’t trading Robyn Regehr or Jarome Iginla. Allen thinks Alex Kovalev could end up in Pittsburgh. The Predators are looking for scoring help.
Bucky Gleason of the Buffalo News: The LA Kings are looking for some scoring help, and Gleason thinks that Tim Connolly could be a fit. He mentions Kyle Clifford as a ‘prospect’ that could head to other way to Buffalo. Mark Stuart and Blake Wheeler could be trade bait for the Bruins.
Andy Strickland of True Hockey: The St. Louis Blues have already decided they won’t be re-signing goalie Ty Conklin, and have had discussions with the Detroit Red Wings. Ben Bishop would become the backup if Conklin is moved.
Bob McKenzie via twitter: Ray Emery signed with the Anaheim Ducks and was put on waivers at noon. Any team can claim but he’d have to stay in the NHL. If the claiming team wants to send him to the minors, he’d have to go on waivers again, and the Ducks could claim him.
Mark Spector via twitter: The Rangers have been scouting Sheldon Souray and haven’t liked what they’ve seen. He’s too slow for AHL, let alone the NHL.
Sean Fitz-Gerald of the National Post: Phil Kessel responds to comments he made yesterday, “Obviously, I love Toronto, I want to be here,” Kessel said, smiling. “I love this city. I love the fans. I love this team. The guys are great here. I don’t want any trade or anything like that. I want to be here for a very long time.”
Kevin Allen via twitter: Pavel Datsyuk will be back in the Red Wings lineup tonight. Tomas Holmstrom is hoping to return on Wednesday.
Eric Stephens via twitter: Ryan Getzlaf is back practicing with the Ducks and working with the 1st PP unit. Could be getting for their game against the Canucks.
Erik Erlendsson via twitter: Dwayne Roloson will start for the Lightning tonight against the Sabres. Ryan Malone will return to the lineup. Nate Thompson will not play tonight, may have suffered a concussion last yesterday. Malone practicing on top power play unit.
Joshua Copper via twitter: Pekka Rinne will start in net for the Predators tonight against the Oilers.