On the Anaheim Ducks …
- Eric Stephens of the OC Register: After the Ducks acquired Dustin Tokarski yesterday, they now have plenty of depth in goal. The Ducks are believed to be testing out the market for Anton Khudobin, who wouldn’t mind another shot with an NHL team. Khudobin has already cleared waivers. The Ducks could also hold on to Khudobin in case Frederik Andersen or John Gibson is out for an extended period of time.
- The Ducks are looking to add some offense. Jonathan Drouin is the most intriguing name on the market.
On the St. Louis Blues and the Winnipeg Jets …
- Chris Nichols of Today’s Slapshot: Elliotte Friedman on Sportnet 960 on the St. Louis Blues.
“To me, the team that’s most interesting to watch right now is probably St. Louis. Not only because I think they’re in on Drouin, but they haven’t won yet since the calendar flipped. There’s a lot of expectations on this team. They kind of lurch forward and lurch backwards.”
On what Friedman is hearing regarding David Backes and Andrew Ladd.
“The only think I’ve heard on Backes is when Ryan Kesler signed his contract with the Ducks, there were two negotiations that were really affected. One was Andrew Ladd. The other was Backes. I think both of those guys looked at that deal, and they said, ‘That’s the deal we want.’
“Winnipeg and Ladd – they’ve inched to a certain point. I don’t know where it is now. But they didn’t get there.
“Backes and St. Louis – I don’t think St. Louis is going to do that. So I’m not exactly 100 percent sure where it is.
“To me, I look at Backes and I’m like, ‘That’s the kind of player you need in the playoffs,’ and if he’s ever available – and I believe he’s got a no-move clause – but if he’s ever available, I could see teams…
“I think Washington wants to add one more edgy, heavy player. But I think other guys would too. I think there would be a lot of interest in him because he’d be a rental. But if I’m St. Louis, do I need that guy too.
“It’s an interesting call for them. I don’t think there’s much in terms of an agreement over what his next contract should be.”