On the Ducks …
- Dennis Bernstein: Ducks GM Bob Murray is trying to make a trade, but other teams aren’t going to throw him a lifesaver.
- The Fourth Period: It’s believed the Ducks GM Bob Murray is checking out the trade market for offensive help to spark their struggling offense. It’s unclear who they are targeting. They have been scouting the Sabres recently. The Ducks have about $7.25 million in cap space.
On the Stars …
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: (chat) On if Stars GM Jim Nill could trade a 1st round pick for a defenseman, making them a real contender – Heika thinks they could. Based on the Jason Spezza trade and extension, the Patrick Sharp trade and signing of Antti Niemi – he’s ready to win now. They could look to trade one of their young defenseman for a veteran defenseman, but if they need to trade/include a first rounder, they can do it.
- Heika thinks the Stars want to keep both Jamie Oleksiak and Patrik Nemeth for now, but closer to the deadline they could look at moving one in a trade. Would depend on what the other team is looking for and what they are offering.
On the Maple Leafs …
- Chris Johnston of Sportsnet: Maple Leafs coach Mike Babcock is ready to shake things up. Peter Holland may have lost his spot in the lineup to Byron Froese. Depending on the injury status to Tyler Bozak, Nick Spaling and Jake Gardiner, it’s possible that Holland could be put waivers before their next game on Friday.
“I’m optimistic that Bozak and Spaling will make us a better hockey club; Froese is going to be in the lineup,” said Babcock. “We’re different down the middle already. We’re a better team.”
Holland or Mark Arcobello could be on the outside.
On the Flames …
- Adrian Dater: The Flames have been calling teams as they are trying to move Dennis Wideman. The 32-year old has two years and $11 million left on his deal, which makes him hard to move.
On the Senators …
- Shawn Simpson: The Senators could use a top four defenseman, but so do about 20 teams.