- Shawn Simpson: Senators owner Eugene Melneyk has said that he and GM Bryan Murray have started the process of looking for the Senators next GM.
- Nick Cotsonika: Red Wings GM Ken Holland on Mike Babcock: “I want to keep Mike. We’ve worked together a long time. I think he’s the best coach in the business.” Holland wouldn’t update more than that. Said again that he and Babcock agreed not to discuss it during the season.
- Aaron Portzline: Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Keklainen won’t be trading first round picks for immediate help. He won’t be trading any young talent like Ryan Johansen, Bonne Jenner, etc. in a deal to get multiple players back. He won’t be trading prospects for roster players. Sources are saying that head coach Todd Richards job is safe and he’s not on the hot seat. President of Hockey Ops, John Davidson, said they aren’t tanking to land one of Connor McDavid or Jack Eichel. They are not giving up, but won’t trade future for a short-term fix.
“We’re not signing off on anything,” Davidson said. “No matter what happens, we have to keep progressing in many ways. There’s a lot of areas we can improve and continue to get better.
“It’s a tough situation. But you can learn a lot about people in times like this. You can read people even better in these situations than you can when times are going great, see how people react in a tough environment.”
- Hope Smoke: Ray Ferraro on TSN radio: “I think it’s pretty safe to say that Randy got dragged into this 4 line thing kicking and screaming”
- Nichols on Hockey: Darren Dreger on TSN 1050 on Nazem Kadri: “He’s going to want it. Yeah. I would still be surprised if Nazem Kadri makes it to the trade deadline as a Toronto Maple Leaf.”
