- Elliotte Friedman of CBC: If there is NHL expansion, it won’t happen in the next year or two. You have to think that Gary Bettman as a good idea of the scenarios for the Coyotes for next year.
A couple teams may be eyeing Red Wings pending UFA Valtteri Filppula. Wings GM Ken Holland said they may have to wait as “I’m still trying to find out what we are.” He added that they’ll wait closer to the trade deadline to decide on anything. Indications are that Franzen would like to stay.
A couple of years ago when Panthers Dale Tallon brought up the idea of a coach’s challenge, it was shot down 28-2. Some other GM thoughts are that there needs to be some sort of penalty if a the challenge is ‘wrong.’ What instances will the a challenge be allow for? Goals only? Goalie interference? High-sticking major/double minor that may have been caused by a teammate?
At the March GM meetings they may talk about goalie equipment again. Also, some people would like wider, but not taller nets.
- Tim Panaccio of CSN Philly: Panaccio wonders if the Flyers would go after Jarome Iginla if he became available. Panaccio does say that Bruins are in better shape to make a deep run in the playoffs than the “bubble team” Flyers.
- Craig Morgan of Fox Sports Arizona: The Phoenix Coyotes won’t be signing goalie Mike Smith to a long-term deal any time soon.
“Our thought is to let the season play out,” Maloney said. “Until our ownership is resolved, we’re going to table Mike’s contract and hope things work out later.”
- Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News: More than 21 scouts and front-office people watched the Maple Leafs-Flyers game last night. GM’s from both the Jets and Blues were at the game.
- Gord Stellick via twitter: (before last night’s game) Stellick thinks it’s time for Maple Leafs Carl Gunnarsson to sit. Nikolai Kulemin would be an easy choice to sit when Joffrey Lupul or Matt Frattin return.