Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet: From Friedman’s 30 thoughts.
- Teams are interested in UFA Mike Richards, who has a court appearance on December 8th. It was his contract and not his play that scared teams off when the Kings were trying to move him. It is believed that the Kings were offering two or three prospects (with Jordan Weal likely one of them) to the Flames and/or the Oilers as an incentive.
- There are rumors that the Lightning are working on a contract extension for head coach Jon Cooper.
- On Joe Haggerty’s report that the Bruins could start shopping Zdeno Chara and/or Brad Marchand if things don’t turn around. Marchand has a modified no-trade clause and one year left on his deal. Chara has two years left and a full no-movement clause. Friedman thinks that at least one team inquired about Chara last year, but were rebuffed. Friedman has no evidence that the Bruins asked Chara to consider it. If the Bruins do look to move Chara, Friedman thinks the Lightning could be a match, though it might be tricky to make it work cap wise. The Blue Jackets would be another good fit. Oilers GM Peter Chiarelli loves Chara, but can you see the Bruins doing that?
- If the Bruins trade anyone, the expiring contract of Loui Eriksson would be a likely candidate.
- The Lighting inquired about Maple Leafs defenseman Roman Polak last year.
- Friedman thinks teams called the Hurricanes after James Wisniewski went down with a knee injury. They won’t make any nonsensical short-term fixes. Same can be said for the Bruins, who have been looking for defensive help.
- The Sabres won’t make a trade for a goalie that costs too much or doesn’t really help them.
- Predators GM David Poile said a week about that there have been some contract extension talks with Filip Forsberg and Seth Jones. The Predators will also have to deal with Mattias Ekholm, who will be a RFA at the end of the season, and would be a UFA after next season.
