- DJ Bean of WEEI: Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli has said that he doesn’t have the framework for any potential trades yet.
“I’ve been trying to bolster the forward group, and players are hard to come by,” he said. “Certainly I’m not going to force any deal. I mean, it’s slow.”
The Bruins currently have $1.775 million in cap space and could make further roster moves to create space. Chiarelli did stress that they don’t have to move someone to bring in someone.
“ don’t necessarily have to move a body,” Chiarelli insisted. “We’d have to make some roster changes, like some of the guys that don’t need waivers, but we don’t need to move a body.”
The Bruins could also try to get the team to retain some salary in a deal.
- Jeff Gordon of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Blues Vladimir Tarasenko is making $900,000 this year and will be a free agent at the end of the season. It wouldn’t be a surprise for him to get a new deal in the $5 million to $6 million range. The Blues currently have $56 million committed to 15 players for next season. Jake Allen will also be looking for a new deal. This is part of the reason there is trade talk involving T.J. Oshie ($4.175 million) and Patrik Berglund ($3.7 million). Some fans are suggesting the could move one of their top three defensemen, Alex Pietrangelo ($6.5 million), Jay Bouwmeester ($5.4 million) or Kevin Shattenkirk ($4.5 million), but those three are part of the teams strength. Defenseman Barrett Jackman carries a $3.167 million cap hit could be moved off the books. Blues GM Doug Armstrong he is not actively in the trade market.
- The Fourth Period: Various reports that the Blues have made T.J. Oshie available. They have also been dangling Patrik Berglund. The Blues have about $3 million in cap space. The Bruins, Panthers and Senators are believed to be interested in Oshie.
- The Fourth Period: Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin could be looking to add a top-six scoring winger. He has held talks with the Oilers about Jordan Eberle and Nail Yakupov. A trade for Eberle is unlikely. The Canadiens would love to add a long-term solution like Yakupov according to a league source. Nothing is imminent, and talks could go into the offseason. Alex Galchenyuk and Yakupov played together in the OHL. The Panthers are also thought to be interested in Yakupov. If the Canadiens can’t add a long-term solution, they could look at a rental at the deadline.
- The Fourth Period: Coyotes GM Don Maloney has been taking calls on Keith Yandle for years. It would take a big offer for him to make a deal. They could look to trade him for a young, NHL proven top-six forward, a prospect and a high pick. The Red Wings, Maple Leafs, Oilers, Bruins, Stars, and Kings have all had some interest over the past year.