- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Teams are already taking notes on who might be available come the February 29th trade deadline day.
“There’s teams sniffing around already,” said one league executive at a recent pre-season game. “Teams always talk just to see where everybody is at and teams can usually tell a week into training camp where they think they might need help or depth before the end of the year.”
People will be talking about pending UFAs. Some names to watch that could become available.
Drawing Interest
Dustin Byfuglien – If they don’t come to an extension, the Jets have to move him.
Eric Staal – Rumored to looking for $9 million a season. The Hurricanes intend to re-sign him, but have to wonder if a fresh start for all parties might be good.
Teddy Purcell – Doesn’t look like he’s going to fit into their future plans. He makes $4.5 million this year.
Cam Ward – Some think that Eddie Lack will eventually steal the No. 1 slot in Carolina. If a team is looking for a goalie, could be an option for a contender.
Chris Neil – Might have been a Predator if he hadn’t broken his thumb last year. He carries a $1.9 million cap hit, and teams will come calling.
Keep An Eye On
Steven Stamkos – Hard to believe he won’t re-sign, but you’ll hear his name a lot until he does.
Dan Boyle – A chance the Rangers get something for him at the deadline.
Anze Kopitar – Not going anywhere, but teams will call.
Dan Hamhuis – GM Jim Benning will decide that it’s time to move on.
Andrew Ladd – Might be time for a change of scenery.
On The Hot Seat
Claude Julien – Could be fired if they don’t get off to a good start.
Bruce Boudreau – If the Ducks don’t get to the Final, he could be gone.
Todd Richards – They can’t miss the playoffs this year.
Ken Hitchcock – Surprising that he is back to begin with. If they don’t have a strong start, they might look to go another direction.
- Jason Gregor: Oilers GM Peter Chiarelli on them making a waiver claim: “I do have a call with our pro scouts today, but right now I’d think it would be unlikely.”
- Wes Gilbertson of the Calgary Sun: The Calgary Flames will start the season with three goalies on their roster, as all three would need to clear waivers. It’s something they know isn’t ideal.
“The only good thing about three goalies is it’s giving you another subject of conversation,” Flames head coach Bob Hartley told a crowd of reporters after Monday’s practice at the Saddledome
Kari Ramo was named their opening night starter, with Jonas Hiller backing him up. Joni Ortio will be their third. It could be rotating process if things don’t go well a goalie.
“We have the same ingredients in net, so we might as well keep the same recipe book,” Hartley said. “They win, they play. They don’t win, we have the musical chair going. They’re good with this, because I think it keeps them both fresh. It keeps Orts on his toes, also. Let’s not forget about Orts.”