- Rich Chere of NJ.com: Jaromir Jagr confirmed that his agent spoke with Devils GM Lou Lamoriello last weekend, but said it wasn’t because they are currently shopping him.
“I haven’t talked to my agent much about it. They probably talked because my agent is from Montreal,” Jagr said. “I don’t know what they talked about. I don’t think they talked about trades or anything like that.”
- Tom Gulitti: It seems like Jagr may be feeling like if he’s going to play a reduced role with the Devils, he might as well do it with a team that is going to the playoffs. Jagr said yesterday several times that interested teams should know he’d be willing to play a lesser role. Jagr added that he plans to play next season and would go to training camp on a tryout if need be.
- Chuck Gormley of CSN Washington: The Capitals have about $2 million in salary cap space and would likely need to shed some salary in any trade targets outlined below. Top line right-wingers: Jaromir Jagr ($5.5 million cap hit with $3.5 million salary), Michael Ryder ($3.5 million cap hit and salary), Drew Stafford (before yesterday’s trade), Chris Stewart ($4.15 million cap hit and $4.2 million salary) and Chris Neil ($1.9 million cap hit and $2.1 million salary)
- The Fourth Period: The Canadiens are still looking for a top-six scoring winger that has term left on his contract. GM Marc Bergevin has had talks with Oilers about Jordan Eberle and Nail Yakupov. He also had talks with the Jets about Evander Kane before he was dealt. Bergevin has talked to the Coyotes about Antoine Vermette, Keith Yandle and Zbynek Michalek. They also have some interest in Jaromir Jagr and Jiri Tlusty.
- Bucky Gleason: The Sabres could trade Cody Hodgson at the deadline if they could find someone that would want to take on the four remaining years of his $25.5 million, six-year deal. They could buy him out at the end of the season at 1/3 his salary, but that doesn’t make a lot of sense.
- Jim Matheson: The rental goalie market will get you a 3rd round pick (Devan Dubnyk and Jhonas Enroth). That is what the Oilers can hope for, for Viktor Fasth, but they may only get a 4th rounder.