On the Blue Jackets and Devils …
- Aaron Portzline: Source suggested last night that the Blue Jackets and Devils could be trade partners. Defenseman Adam Larsson is likely the trade target for the Blue Jackets. Winger Cam Atkinson would be part of the package.
Friedman’s 30 thoughts …
- Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet: Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen is looking for a defenseman who would make things harder for opposing forwards. It’s not easy finding teams looking trade this early in the season.
- Wouldn’t be surprising if the Blue Jackets asked the Ducks about Shea Theodore. Ducks may not consider moving him.
- Ducks GM Bob Murray wants to see how the team does on their upcoming five game road trip.
- Been reported that the Blackhawks are looking for a defenseman, but it won’t be easy with their cap situation. Ville Pokka could be called up. An executive heard that a team asked about Pokka, but were rejected.
- As the season goes on, should keep an eye on Blues Carl Gunnarsson and Hurricanes Ryan Murphy. Gunnarsson will be a UFA. Murray’s entry-level deal expires after the season and he’s had difficulty holding a spot.
- Friedman wonders what Tomas Plekanec’s two-year, $12 million deal will mean for Islanders Frans Nielsen. Nielsen will be 32 next August and isn’t as big of point producer.
- Friedman wonders how Ryan Kesler’s six-year, $41.25 million contract will affect David Backes and Andrew Ladd.
On the Senators …
- Don Brennan: Senators Mikael Wikstrand’s camp are trying again to get the Senators to allow him to go back to Sweden. GM Bryan Murray is saying no way.
On the Blackhawks …
- Mark Lazerus: Lubomir Visnovsky could be a cheap, viable option for the Blackhawks for the short term.
