On the Boston Bruins …
- Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: The Bruins need long-term help on their blueline and on right wing. Trading for a rental may not be worth it for the Bruins. The Bruins can expect to get a nice return for Loui Eriksson even if it doesn’t land them immediate help to their blueline.
On the New Jersey Devils …
- Tom Gulitti of The Record: If pending UFAs Lee Stempniak and David Schlemko want to remain in New Jersey, the best way would be for the Devils to remain in the playoff race. GM Ray Shero said he’s not shopping Stempniak or Schlemko, but added he would listen to offers. Schlemko admitted that he’s thought about the deadline “a little bit.”
“Obviously, I’d love to stay here,” he said. “I think if we stay in the hunt here and we’re a playoff team, hopefully, we won’t see anybody go. That’s the goal.”
On the Los Angeles Kings …
- Dennis Bernstein: (answering question) The Kings are placing a higher priority to add a defenseman, but they are looking for a forward as well. They can add a winger, and then bring injured Marian Gaborik back for the playoffs with no cap hit.
On the New York Rangers …
- Chris Nichols of Today’s Slapshot: Elliotte Friendman on Sportsnet 960 on Chris Kreider and the New York Rangers.
“So somebody told me on the weekend they heard a rumor about Chris Kreider for Loui Eriksson. I checked that, and I was told that was not true. That they’re not going to do Kreider for a rental.
…
“Kreider is a guy who is a good playoff player. If you look at his history, he ramps it up. So I think the Rangers are making all of their decisions with playoffs in mind. That’s why I think it’s likely Kreider stays, and if they have to deal with him they do it in the summer or the offseason.”