- Chris Johnston via twitter: KHL President Medvedev said that Alex Radulov has 1 more year left on his contract with no out clause. Dmitry Chesnokov via twitter: KHL’s SPCs dont’ have ‘out’ clauses, a ‘Gentleman’s agreement’ is different. Johnston asked Medvedev directly about Radulov’s returning to the NHL and he said he had 1 year left. Bob McKenzie via twitter: McKenzie mentions that Radulov always has an out clause and to ask Nashville. Chesnokov says that Radulov can’t leave Salavat without getting their blessing. If he leaves and Salavat complains, he has to go back.
- Sean Fitz-Gerald via twitter: Predators GM David Poile on trade activity: “It does work like dominoes … there are probably more things in the works now than there was 24 hours ago …”
- Darren Dreger via twitter: Dreger is hearing that the Red Wings and Flyers have made offers to Tampa for Pavel Kubina. Bruce Garrioch via twitter: 3 teams on Kubina’s list before he gives his list are the Blackhawks, Flyers and Red Wings.
- Darren Dreger via twitter: Dreger asks Dater if he’d prefer some Erik Johnson speculation. Adrian Dater via twitter: Erik Johnson is NOT on the market. Dreger responds with that he doesn’t have to be on the market to be a part of trade discussions, and that it happens all the time. Also doesn’t mean that he’ll be traded. Dater admits that it is true and that he believes Johnson will stay.
- Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: Blue Jackets R.J. Umberger on trade talk:
“It’s extremely tough,” winger R.J. Umberger said. “Some of the guys they’re talking about … a guy like Nash being all over the news — whether it’s true, if it happens or doesn’t happen — it affects our team because he is this organization.
“When you think Columbus Blue Jackets, you think Rick Nash. It’s tough.”
There are no guarantees that Rick Nash will be dealt, but the Blue jackets will likely look different after the deadline. They’ve been shopping Jeff Carter, Umberger, Derick Brassard, Sammy Pahlsson and others.
- Bob Mitchell of the Toronto Star: (Reality check series Mason Raymond and Maple Leafs) Why a Raymond to Leafs deal could happen – Burke may think he can rekindle Raymond’s scoring touch. His contract isn’t too bad at $2.6 million and a RFA at the end of the year. Dave Nonis draft Raymond in 2005. Why it won’t happen – after a quick start, he’s struggled the last 25 games. His ice time has been reduced and has become “a non-factor” in many games. Will a change of scenery work for Raymond, and what would it cost a team to get him? (not much of a reason for it not happen)