30 Thoughts roundup …
- Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet: Friedman thinks that Jets want to re-sign Dustin Byfuglien and they continue to debate the term. Talk with Andrew Ladd seems to be at a standstill.
- There were reports that Jonathan Drouin was demanding a top-six role from a new team, but that doesn’t appear to be the case according to one GM. He is just looking for a fresh start. The Blues have been talking with the Lightning, but they may be waiting to see how Jaden Schwartz makes out when he returns from injury.
- The Ducks are looking for young forwards and have defensemen they could move.
- The Stars would like to add a defenseman.
- The Wild would like to add a scoring forward.
- The Flames are monitoring the goalie market.
- Jiri Hudler would make sense for the Wild.
- Nobody knows if/when Carey Price is going to return, and the Canadiens won’t be making any short-term moves until they know Price’s status.
- Still quiet with Steven Stamkos, Don Meehan and Steve Yzerman. Stamkos is now leading the Lightning forwards in ice time.
- A few GMs think that the Capitals will make one more big addition before the deadline. GM Brian MacLellan is quietly checking out what is available.
On the Carolina Hurricanes …
- Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer: Defenseman John Michael-Liles’ name hasn’t been in a lot of trade speculation yet, but that could change leading up to the trade deadline.
Liles is one of eight Hurricanes pending free agents that the Hurricanes could look to move if they fall out of the playoff race.Eric Staal and Cam Ward’s agent, Rick Curran, said in an email this week that there is “nothing new to report.”
“We’re playing good hockey, and we’re in the mix,” Staal said. “This is when you want to keep things going. To me, we’re finally seeing some of the depth and some of the things that make the future brighter. Obviously, there are decisions to be made, but for me, I’m excited about the future of this team and these young players who are coming in, filling roles and grabbing spots.”
Staal said that GM Ron Francis has not asked him to waive his no-trade clause or for a list of teams that he’d accept a trade to.
“No, no, no,” Staal said. “That will sort itself out. I’ll play hard and do my thing and see what happens.”