Garrioch rumor roundup …
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Sounding like the ‘for sale’ sign could be up for the Carolina Hurricanes, with GM Ron Francis pretty much ready to talk about anyone – excluding their young guys. They’d like to move Jeff Skinner and his $5.725 million cap hit (four more years). They might even throw in a prospect to help the process along. Francis must decide on Eric Staal and Cam Ward before the trade deadline. Many people don’t think they will be back next year.
- The teams of pending UFAs Dustin Byfuglien, Mikkel Boedker and Loui Eriksson, will have some decisions to make as teams may be calling if they remain unsigned by the trade deadline.
- The Panthers could take a run at Byfuglien. Brian Campbell’s contract will be off the books next year.
- Flames GM Brad Treliving is working the phones. Teams are interested in pending UFAs Jiri Hudler and Kris Russell, but the Flames may want to re-sign them.
- The Maple Leafs may have to make a decision on pending UFA James Reimer. Teams are going to call and Jonathan Bernier hasn’t been good.
- Ducks GM Bob Murray is still trying to make a move to shake up his roster. They wouldn’t mind moving Andrew Cogliano and Patrick Maroon, but there may not be a big market for them, and not sure how much they would bring back. If the Ducks are wanting to move Cam Fowler, they would get something good back.
- The Blue Jackets want a top-four defenseman for Kerby Rychel. Some think they want too much for him.
- Oilers GM Peter Chiarelli wants to make a move, with Jordan Eberle’s name on the market, but it’s sounding like it could be hard for the Oilers to make a significant move by the trade deadline. The only way the Oilers could likely move Eberle ($6 million through 2018-19) is if they took back a player or two even out the money. The Oilers likely would want a young player with upside, a move that may easier to do in the offseason.
- Teams are interested in Blackhawks Trevor Daley ($3.3 million through next year). GM Stan Bowman is looking for a second round pick and a prospect.
On Steven Stamkos …
- Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: Steven Stamkos’s parents have moved to Tampa, which leaves some thinking that he’s going to re-sign.
On the Blackhawks …
- Chris Hine of the Chicago Tribune: Source saying that Bryan Bickell could be recall by the Blackhawks after they put winger Viktor Tikhonov on waivers. The Blackhawks hope nobody claims Tikhonov and they can send him to the AHL to get some regular playing time.
On the Blue Jackets …
- Michael Russo of the Star Tribune: Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen is listing to teams with regards to Ryan Johansen, but it doesn’t mean that he’s going to trade him. Kekalainen is gauging his trade value. No doubt that the Wild have inquired about him.