Garrioch roundup …
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Bruce Boudreau got a vote of confidence from GM Bob Murray, but a finger is being pointed at Murray in some circles. Some around the league are wondering if Murray will take the fall for their 1-7-2 start. Sources saying that the Ducks are listening to offers for defenseman Cam Fowler, but would only move him to an Eastern Conference for a huge return.
- Flames GM Brad Treliving is still trying to make a trade.
- Bruins GM Don Sweeny is looking for a defenseman and has talked to more than one team.
- Avalanche GM Joe Sakic has been letting teams know he’ll talk about any ideas. Their young players are untouchable.
- Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen called one team about a young blueliner and were asked for Brandon Saad. Talks stopped.
- The Blues are willing to trade Carl Gunnarsson.
- Hurricanes GM Ron Francis will talk about anyone. Jeff Skinner’s name is coming up in talks. Defenseman Ron Hainsey is getting some interest. Riley Nash and John-Michael Liles are also available. Their biggest decision will be what to do about Eric Staal.
- The Coyotes are looking for another investor.
- Maple Leafs GM Lou Lamoriello could be looking around for goaltending.
On the Avalanche …
- Mike Chambers of the Denver Post: Avs GM Joe Sakic said that coach Patrick Roy is not on the hot seat.
“You’re always looking for ways to improve your club. But it has got to make sense for now and down the line,” Sakic said. “We’re not the only team that’s off to a slow start. It’s a position we don’t to be in. But you can’t do anything about it now. We’re in it and the guys must find a way to get out of it, and get out of it quick.”
Sportsnet’s Headlines … Damien Cox and Elliotte Friedman
- At the GM meetings, they’ll be talking about the coaches challenges.
- Cox brings up Steven Stamkos and his relationship with coach Jon Cooper and if he’s happy with how he is being used. He’s been used at center 90 percent of the time and leading forwards in ice time.
- Russian Nikita Zaitsev will be coming to the NHL next year and is a free agent. Teams that are going to watch him in a tournament this week – Flyers, Maple Leafs, Canucks, Kings and Flames. More teams will be interested.
- The Predators are working on getting contract extensions done for Seth Jones and Filip Forsberg.