- Sam Carchidi: Flyers GM Ron Hextall indirectly denied a report that they inquired about Blues David Backes. Brayden Schenn’s name was mentioned in the rumor.
- Tim Panaccio: GM Hextall shot down Backes trade rumors, referencing past rumors involving the Flyers about trading young players for veterans. (He said they wouldn’t be trading young players for veterans)
- Steve Conroy of the Boston Herald: Bruins Dennis Seidenberg heard his name in the rumor mill and didn’t like it – more because of how his own play started the talk and not just because of the speculation.
“If I had heard it from the GM then I would have been concerned, but the thing that bothered me was that people even talked about it. That’s kind of a slap in the face. It means you’re not playing your best, and you obviously want to play to a level where people don’t question you,” Seidenberg said. “On the other hand, you have to focus on your own game and not worry about what people say. If it comes from the top, then you have to be worried about it, but I’ve never heard anything. I’ve read it and I saw it, but at the end of the day, I have to focus on what I have to do.”
Seidenberg’s contract (three-years at $4 million per) may make it difficult to trade him if the Bruins wanted to.
- Dan Rosen of NHL.com: (mailbag) Some players who could be traded this season:Dustin Byfuglien – will be a UFA at the end of the season. Could net the Jets a good return.
Eric Staal – will be a UFA at the end of the year. He wants to stay with the Hurricanes, but he also wants to win.
Cam Ward – requires a team that thinks it can contend, and one that needs a No. 1 goalie.
Erik Johnson – if they aren’t in contention and he hasn’t re-signed by the trade deadline, his name could hit the rumor mill.
Teddy Purcell – an expiring contract that could bring a team depth.
Jaromir Jagr – he’ll be traded if the Panthers aren’t winning.
Brian Campbell – could interest a team that needs a puck moving defenseman.
Shawn Matthias – feel the Maple Leafs signed him to a one-year deal so that they could trade him.
James Reimer – his contract is up and there doesn’t appear to be a future for him in Toronto.
Dan Hamhuis – an expiring contract who could find himself in trade talk if the Canucks are out of it.