Rumors and Notes: Hawks, Sabres, Stars, Leafs, Kings and More

Source is saying that the Blackhawks are actively looking for a defenseman. Their top four are set – Duncan Keith, Brent Seabrook, Niklas Hjalmarsson and Trevor Daley. Their bottom three includes David Rundblad, Trevor van Riemsdyk, Viktor Svedberg and injured Michal Rozsival.

Chad Johnson will the Sabres starter for now. If they look at the trade market, the Flames have three goalies on their roster – Jonas Hiller, Karri Ramo and Joni Ortio.

A source is saying that GM Tim Murray has tried to trade for Ducks prospect John Gibson since he took over in Buffalo. Ducks GM Bob Murray has been adamant that he’s not trading Gibson. The Ducks do have Anton Khudobin, who has one year left on his deal at $2.25 million.

The Stars are carrying eight defensemen as Jyrki Jokipakka, Patrik Nemeth and Jamie Oleksiak all require waivers to be sent to the AHL. They would likely lose any one of them if they were put on waivers.

Curtis Glencross was released from PTOs by the Maple Leafs and Avalanche. Glencross notes that the salary cap is partially to blame for depth players being pinched out.

“I think seven or eight guys will get the money and the rest will go to entry-level players or younger guys which will take the middle class out,” Glencross told the Dreger Report.

Glencross thought he was going to sign with the Avalanche this summer.

“I really thought I was going to sign with Colorado in the summer,” he said. “I spoke with Patrick Roy on the phone for almost an hour. He said they wanted to sign a d-man first, so I waited and waited and waited and there was nothing.”

Glencross realizes that he might be faced with retirement if nothing arises.

Maple Leafs Stephane Robidas could also be re-evaluating his playing future if his leg doesn’t heal. He has been bothered by soreness in the leg that he broke twice.
The LA Kings and Anze Kopitar appear to okay with signing for eight years, but they are apart on money, something that wasn’t really expected. Talks had slowed as of late.

With Justin Fontaine on the IR, the Wild recalled Jordan Schroeder yesterday. The Wild are about $600,000 under the salary cap ceiling, so it’s likely that Schroeder will be sent down again.
People are asking Russo if the Wild would offer Niklas Backstrom (retaining salary) to the Sabres since Robin Lehner is injured. The Sabres will go Chad Johnson for now, and they may not have any interest Backstrom regardless.

Blues Robby Fabbri left yesterday’s game in the first period after taking an elbow to the head.

DJ Bean of WEEI: On Brad Marchand …

Bruins winger Brad Marchand left last night’s game after colliding with Canadiens Dale Weiss. Coach Claude Julien didn’t give any update after the game.

Alex Ovechkin goes between the legs then top shelf.

NHL Rumors: Columbus Blue Jackets, Revenue Sharing, and the Detroit Red Wings