Ben Kuzma of the Vancouver Province: The Bruins had two scouts watching the Canucks-Ducks games last night in Vancouver. The Bruins have been looking for a third-line winger all year. The Canucks were looking for scoring help, but are also now looking to add some depth on the blueline. Bruins defenseman Matt Bartkowski could now be expendable. He’ll be a UFA at the end of the season. The Bruins could be looking at Zack Kassian, who has a year left at $2 million.
Joe Haggerty of CSNNE: (mailbag) Haggerty thinks the Bruins should trade for a veteran right winger to play with David Krejci and Milan Lucic. Options could be Chris Stewart, Michael Ryder or Jaromir Jagr. To get Keith Yandle from the Coyotes, it would take Loui Eriksson, Matt Bartkowski and Ryan Spooner. Drew Stafford could also be a fit for the Bruins. If the Bruins look to add a veteran defenseman, options could be Andrej Meszaros/Greg Zanon type players.
The Fourth Period: It is believed that two teams have contacted the Maple Leafs about Dion Phaneuf, according to a league source. The Leafs would have to retain a good portion of his salary or take a player with a big contract. Teams are interested in Cody Franson. The Leafs will meet with Franson’s camp this week. Trade talks will pick up if a contract extension doesn’t seem possible.
Jonas Siegel: Maple Leafs Cody Franson on trade rumors: “It’s one of those things where it’s everywhere you go.”
The Fourth Period: The Sabres are expected to trade Chris Stewart, Drew Stafford and Torrey Mitchell before the trade deadline. Tyler Myers continues to get interest from teams like the Red Wings and Ducks. The Flyers could also be interested in Myers. Teams are also keeping an eye on Josh Gorges, who has three years left at $3.9 million with a limited no-trade clause.
The Fourth Period: Source saying the Senators have talked about trading Chris Neil, David Legwand and Chris Phillips. Trade talks haven’t hit the serious stage yet. The Senators will meet with Marc Methot’s camp, and if a deal doesn’t progress, they could explore his trade value.
Dennis Bernstein: If the Senators were to offer Methot a deal in the five-year, $5 million per year range, he would sign on the dotted line.
Hope Smoke: Ray Ferraro on TSN radio on Ryan O’Reilly: “ROR is not a 1C. He’s just not.” “I hate saying things like that b/c it almost comes off like you’re slagging the guy. I’d have ROR on my team.” “ROR is a 2 minus or a 3 plus C. I think a 2C has to be a 60 plus points. That’s not what ROR is.” “ROR had an excellent year last year, struggled a lot more this year. He’s not a great skater, he’s an excellent PKer.” “To go and make a deal and think that’s going to fix your C ice position & he’s your #1, no. I don’t think so.” “The deal though, is Bozak & something else. That’s what it’s got to be & that something else has to be a defenseman”
