- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Antoine Vermette isn’t the only option for the Blackhawks, who have already made a bunch of calls and are pro-active on several fronts. The Jets and Rangers may also be keeping an eye on Vermette. The Rangers don’t have a first round pick and they don’t want to trade any of their top young players or top prospects. The Jets have two first round picks, but they may not want to trade one. Curtis Glencross is another option for the Blackhawks.
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Pressure increasing for Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli to make a move. Think there is interest in Erik Cole, Curtis Glencross and Chris Stewart. Source say they tried to trade for Devante Smith-Pelly before he was traded to Montreal.
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: The Capitals are looking hard for a top-nine forward. Players they are looking at include Erik Cole, Curtis Glencross and to some degree Joffrey Lupul. Lupul is a bit interesting as he has three years left at a $5.25 million cap, and has had injury issues.
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Several teams were trying to land Hurricanes Andrej Sekera, but then the Kings stepped up with the first.
“We talked to a lot of teams, but when we got to that point, I thought it was the best offer out there and a fair offer,” Francis said. “Dean was great to work with throughout the process, really up front and honest. It was good.”
GM Ron Francis on Jordan Staal rumors.
“There was no truth to any of that stuff,” said Francis.
Francis plans on keeping both Eric and Jordan Staal.
“Listen, Wayne Gretzky got traded, so there’s always a chance that anybody gets traded. But for me, these are good pieces for our team; you see them out there, they’re 6-foot-4, heavy, they can play with the puck down low and they’re hard to defend. Teams are looking for those kinds of players and we have them. I’d much rather keep them than move them.’’
Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Wonder if the Ducks would be a fit for Panthers Tomas Fleischmann.
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: There is no question that the Red Wings are interested in Oilers Jeff Petry and Coyotes Zbynek Michalek. Wings would likely do a second round pick and a middling prospect – they won’t give up a top prospect.
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: The Kings had contract talks with Justin Williams earlier in the season, but they were halted.
“They have respected our position of leaving negotiations until after the season,” Williams’ agent Thane Campbell told ESPN.com via email Wednesday. “That being said, they have obviously not accepted our most recent contract position.”