- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: If Sharks coach Todd McLellan gets fired, he won’t be out of job for long. The Flyers and Maple Leafs could become possibilities if they decide to make changes as well. Possibly the Red Wings if Mike Babcock doesn’t re-sign.Intriguing talk on a Brayden Schenn for Justin Schultz trade. The Flyers could also use some scoring help on the wing, bringing David Perron into play. Oilers need defensive help, bringing in Braydon Coburn.Teams that are talking with the Blues should be asking about Vladimir Sobotka. Though he’s in the KHL for this season, he’s the perfect third line center. The Oilers could use a player like him.
The Predators have a lot of centers, and have had to move some to the wing: Mike Fisher, Mike Ribeiro, Colin Wilson, Calle Jarnkrok, Paul Gaustad, Matt Cullen, Derek Roy and Olli Jokinen. They may look to move Jokinen, who has only one point in 21 games this season.
Matheson wonders if the Lightning would send Jonathan Drouin to the World Junior Championships. He’d only miss about six games. The Senators could send Curtis Lazar.
- Scott Lewis of Sportsnet: Lists five coaches who could be first line when an NHL head coaching vacancy opens up: Guy Boucher, Dan Bylsma, Mike Keenan, John Tortorella and Ron Wilson.
- Renaud Lavoie: Pressure is on Sharks head coach Todd McLellan right now as management hasn’t been happy with their effort.
- Tom Gulitti of The Record: The Devils are 9-10-3 on the season, but 3-7-1 in their last 11 games. If their struggles continue, GM Lou Lamoriello may have to make some sort of change, either by firing Peter DeBoer or making a big roster move to shake up the team. Lamoriello did say last week that he has faith in his coaching staff.
- Joe Haggerty: Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli said that “heaviness” is an area that he’d like augment during the season in terms of size and strength on the puck. Haggerty took that as both with their current style of play and for players he might be looking to add through a trade.
- Ryan Rishaug: Two drafts ago, the Oilers decided not to trade the 7th overall pick (selected Darnell Nurse) to the Canucks for Cory Schneider.
- David Strehle: Talk was that the Oilers could be closer to making a major trade yesterday after the report that Justin Schultz was to be scratched.
- Nichols on Hockey: Dreger on TSN radio: The Senators like Chris Stewart, but Sabres GM Tim Murray overvalues him. Dreger thinks a while ago Tim may have asked Bryan for Curtis Lazar. The Penguins showed some interest in Stewart but have backed off. David Perron expects to be traded. Though they have been focusing on a center, finding a goaltender is a top priority for the Oilers. They may have to do a bigger deal to get a goaltender. The Flames are looking to make some trades, but they would have to be the right deals. They have the room to take on a contract if it comes with a draft pick.
