Mike Chambers of the Denver Post: (mailbag) The Avs primary goal will be to improve their blueline. It could happen in a trade later this year or more likely during free agency. It’s too early to determine if the Avs will be buyers or sellers. They can free up almost $10 million due to expiring contracts of Ryan Wilson, Jan Hejda and Daniel Briere.
Dennis Bernstein: After the loss to the Devils, hearing the Kings are now in full buying mode. GM Dean Lombardi is active in the trade market, but the prices are high. The prices aren’t set, but the Kings aren’t paying the current asking prices. Lombardi will wait for the prices to drop or for the team to accept the Kings offers.
Paul Friesen of the Winnipeg Sun: The Jets would like to improve upfront, and will have plenty of defenseman available when they are all healthy. GM Kevin Cheveldayoff could put Adam Pardy, Paul Postma and Jay Harrison on the trade market, but he would likely only get a late round draft pick for each of them. They could put Mark Stuart, Zach Bogosian, Tobias Enstrom and possibly Dustin Byfuglien in play if they are looking for a bigger return than just a draft pick. Jacob Trouba is the only untouchable. Enstrom is 30 years old with three years left at $5.75 million. Bogosian would be attractive to many teams, but has had injury issues and makes $5 million plus on multi-year deal. Stuart would more affordable and brings character. You only trade Byfuglien if you don’t think he can keep this type of play up and if you don’t think you’ll be able to afford him after next season. He has one year left at $6 million.
Craig Morgan of Fox Sports Arizona: Coyotes ownership insist they are not going to blow up their current roster. It is likely that they move UFAs Antoine Vermette, Martin Erat and Zbynek Michalek. They will also consider trading defenseman Keith Yandle. They should look at who they see will be with the team in three or four years, and be open to moving anyone who isn’t part of that group. If they haven’t already, they should talk to Shane Doan to see if he wants to go to a contender in hopes of winning the Cup. They should abide to his wishes as he’s earned that right.
Jeff Paterson: Canucks Zach Kassian on the trade talk: “ ‘it’s a little frustrating. But I’m at a point where if it happens, it happens.”
Jason Brough of Pro Hockey Talk: Possible destinations for Coyotes Keith Yandle: Colorado (with Ryan O’Reilly as a possible trade chip), Detroit, Minnesota and Boston.
