- The Fourth Period: Two different league sources have said that the Hurricanes are trying to re-sign Jiri Tlusty and Andrej Sekera to contract extensions. If GM Ron Francis is unable to sign them, it’s likely that they will be traded by the trade deadline. Teams are paying attention to Eric Staal as well, who has two years left at a $8.25 million cap hit and a no-trade clause.
- The Fourth Period: Kings GM Dean Lombardi will be looking at their salary cap situation for this season and next, and will explore the option of trading Mike Richards. Richards is in the seventh-year of his 12 year contract. He carries a $5.75 million cap hit. Lombardi has held preliminary talks with teams. Nothing is imminent. Talks are expected to continue until the trade deadline.
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: It’s very likely that the Coyotes will trade pending UFA Antoine Vermette. He could be traded as early as the new year. They will look at moving others as well, potentially including Keith Yandle. It’s doubtful that GM Don Maloney would ask Shane Doan if he wants to be traded to a contender. Doan has one year left on his deal.
- Nichols on Hockey: Pierre LeBrun on TSN 690 on the Coyotes and Keith Yandle.
“Really, the only reason the Yandle thing, finally now – I’ve got to tell you, all those other years you heard his name was really bogus. There really – Arizona had no intention to trade him the last couple of years. The reason now there’s some legitimacy to it is because he only has a year left on his deal after this season and the spectre of trying to re-sign him with their limited finances – I think really it’s the only reason it’s happening now. And he’s not a kid anymore. It’s hard to believe. You always think the young Keith Yandle. But he’s actually been around for awhile.
“And again, I don’t think the Coyotes are telling teams they’re definitely moving him. What they’re saying is, ‘We’re finally willing to listen on this guy. Step up and don’t waste your time.’ So that’s the point.
“But again, the point here is that I don’t think they want to enter next season with Yandle entering his final year because that devalues what you can get for him heading into the trade deadline a year and a half from now.”
- Hope Smoke: Darren Dreger: “Carolina is struggling to say the least. This is a team that should have been better than they were outside the gate” … “Carolina lost their top 2 centres and any team that loses their top 2 centres is going to struggle. They compete & work hard” … “The Hurricanes invested some $ into this team this year & they thought they were closer to a playoff spot than they are” … “As an insider, I keep watching the Hurricanes & Ron Francis. Wondering at what point does for sale sign go up?” … “Know some guys already available. Tlustly’s name has been up for awhile & you can probably pluck 1 or 2 vet D if you feel the need” … “For the most part, the big names don’t seem to be in play”