- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Oilers defenseman Jeff Petry is a pending UFA and if there is no traction on a long-term deal soon, he’ll likely be traded by the deadline. The Red Wings and Penguins are among the teams that could use a right-handed defesneman. Petry is trying not to think about the upcoming trade deadline.
“It’s a good environment to be around right now. We’re excited to come to the rink every day. I’m here now and I like it,” said Petry, who knows his name is in every trade rumour. “It’s out of my control. I’ve seen it (UFA’s traded), but it’s the first time I’ve gone through the situation”
He’s been playing over 21 minutes a night and against some tough competition. On a contending team, he’s probably a No. 5 defenseman.
- Randy Sportak of the Calgary Herald: Flames Karri Ramo is a pending UFA and Jonas Hiller has one year left on his contract. 23-year old Joni Ortio will be on a one-way contract next year, so it’s very likely that one of the veteran goalies will be traded.
- Nichols on Hockey: Elliotte Friedman on Sportsnet 960 radio on the Avalanche. The Avs could be coming up to the time where they have to make a decision on whether to trade Ryan O’Reilly or not. They need defenseman, and they don’t have a lot on the way.
Teams are getting the impression that Hurricanes Eric Staal won’t waive his no-trade clause, and Friedman got the same impression after looking into it.
Wild GM Chuck Fletcher hasn’t found a goalie that they deem better than what they already have. He denied talking about Jhonas Enroth. The Wild may not be interested in Cam Ward. Canucks Eddie Lack is a year away from being an unrestricted free agent, but it’s not easy to trade someone to a team who you are in a playoff race with.Some teams could be interested in Oilers Matt Hendricks, but they may not be willing to trade him. They realize they need veterans and like what he brings.