- Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post Dispatch: Though they’ve been linked to some trade rumors, Blues GM Doug Armstrong thinks trades are unlikely.
“It’s the manager’s job is to stay in constant communication with other managers, but there’s very few hockey trades any more,” he said. “Usually it’s one team playing for today and one team playing for tomorrow. You just don’t see a lot of trades where both sides are saying, ‘I’ll assume some risk, you assume some risk, let’s see if there’s a better fit for the player.’”
- David Pagnotta: Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli has increased his efforts on the trade front. He’s looking to make a move to spark the Bruins. Trade talks have been ongoing. The Bruins have explored Chris Stewart, but the asking price doesn’t equal his performance. Antoine Vermette, as a winger, is an option. Possibly the same for Hurricanes Jiri Tlustly. Taylor Hall or Jordan Eberle is a who different conversation.
- Joe Haggerty: Interesting that Antoine Vermette to the Bruins is gaining some steam. Vermette has good relationships with Patrice Bergeron and Chris Kelly. The Bruins definitely value that type of thing.
- David Pagnotta: The Hurricanes would like to re-sign Jiri Tlusty and will try hard to do so. Defenseman Andrej Sekera is more likely to be traded at the deadline.
- Ben Kuzma of the Vancouver Province: Teams have called the Canucks about winger Zack Kassian. Kassian has heard his named mentioned in the rumor mill, and went to talk to teammate Shawn Matthias on how to deal with the rumors.
“He talked to me about it,” said Matthias. “I don’t think he’s too worried about it — he’s been traded once before (Cody Hodgson) — but it’s tough to hear those rumours and I think he’s doing a good job in being positive and working hard. I thought he had a good first game back. There’s so much potential, and in just talking to him, I know he’s determined to have a great second half. We were yelling and talking to each other (Saturday) and there were plays where we were just a little out of sync. The good thing is we’re looking for each other and once the chemistry comes back, we’ll get the chances.”
- Rich Chere of NJ.com: The Devils are long-shot to make the playoffs and should be starting to look towards their future. Chere lists five players the Devils SHOULDN’T trade:
1. Cory Schneider – a good choice to be their goalie for the next half decade or so.
2. Damon Severson – 20-year old rookie was impressive before he fractured his ankle.
3. Adam Henrique – could be their next captain.
4. Jon Merrill – 22-year old still has lots of potential.
5. Andy Green – his trade value would be high, but it would leave a big hole on their blueline.
- Rich Chere of NJ.com: Five players the Devils SHOULD trade.
1. Jaromir Jagr – trade before they lose him for nothing in the offseason.
2. Michael Ryder – change of scenery might help him. Cost to acquire wouldn’t be high.
3. Tuomo Ruutu – if he doesn’t fit into their plans next season, they can move him. Teams are interested in players like him.
4. Jacob Josefson – if he could stay healthy, he could be a reliable center.
5. Marek Zidlicky – the pending UFA would be a sold pickup for a lot of playoff teams.