- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: GMs at the meetings last week were looking for defenseman.
“Lots of teams looking for a defenceman,” said a league executive, “and they all want one that can play in the top four.”
Among the more than 10 teams looking for a top four defenseman immediately are the Blue Jackets, Maple Leafs, Kings, Senators, Flames, Sharks, Sabres and Bruins.
Names that are out there: Trevor Daley, Matt Carle, Justin Braun, Braydon Coburn, Ron Hainsey, Carl Gunnersson, Jake Gardiner and Kris Russell.
Flames GM Brad Treliving has been busy and will listen to offers on anyone other than Sean Monahan, Josh Jooris, Johnny Gaudreau and Sam Bennett. They’d like to move Dennis Wideman, but it’s more likely Chris Russell gets moved.
Lightning GM Steve Yzerman has been looking to move a defenseman. There is a belief that if Steven Stamkos isn’t re-signed by the trade deadline, he could be traded. His no-movement clause kind of allows him to choose his own destination, which could make it difficult to get the return they’d like.
Money could be handcuffing teams that are trying to make a deal.
“The issue is nobody can really pick up any money and there are few teams that have the cap space to make a trade,” said the executive. “You either make a dollar-for-dollar deal or you make a deal with a team that has the cap space. Most teams that have the cap space don’t want to spend the money.”
The Oilers will have nine defenseman when Justin Schultz returns, so you’d think GM Peter Chiarelli will be wanting to make a move.
The Flyers had been trying to trade Mark Streit before they put him on the LTIR.
Sources saying the Rangers and Kings have zero interest in Patrick Marleau. The Ducks aren’t sure if he’d be right fit with Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf.
The Avs have called a lot of teams looking for a defenseman.
- Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: Think the Maple Leafs should be interested in Matt Duchene. Simmons would trade Dion Phaneuf and Nazem Kadri for Duchene, retaining some salary if need be.
- Ken Warren of the Ottawa Citizen: The Senators would love to trade Colin Greening’s contract. Would the Sens be willing to trade a first round pick and at least one front line player in a deal for Matt Duchene? The Sens have more holes on defense and up front.