- Mike Johnston on Sportsnet: Panthers GM Dale Tallon on Sportsnet 590 on rumors that they are interested in Maple Leafs Phil Kessel.
“I think we’re going to stay the course,” Tallon replied when asked directly about his team’s interest in Kessel. “We have a good blueprint, we know what we’re doing, we have a brilliant future ahead of us, we’re still in the hunt and we’re going to just keep moving forward in the direction we planned three or four years ago.”
He added that Kessel is “a hell of a player” but added the Panthers “have a depth chart and a blueprint and we’re going to stick with it.”
Tallon said that some of his unrestricted free agents (Tomas Fleischmann, Sean Bergenheim, Scottie Upshall, Tomas Kopecky and Shane O’Brien) “might be available to add at deadline.”
- Damien Cox of Sportsnet: The Canadiens are looking to add depth to their bottom-six. Options that could fit are Antoine Vermette, Daniel Winnik, Mark Letestu, Jiri Tlusty and Sean Bergenheim. The Canadiens could also use some help on the blueline.
- Dennis Bernstein: On the report that the Kings covet Leafs defenseman Roman Polak, source that is close to the Kings says it’s inaccurate. They may have interest in Polak, but they are not pursuing.
- David Pagnotta: The Leafs are not actively shopping Polak. Followed up with a Kings executive who said that Kings are not interested in Roman Polak. Hurricanes Andrej Sekera is on the Kings radar.
- David Pagnotta: The Kings and Leafs are still talking about Dion Phaneuf, but as previously reported, there are plenty of obstacles like the cap number, Slava Voynov, etc.
- Mike Heika: Scouting the Stars-Blues: Maple Leafs, Red Wings, Canucks, Blackhawks and Canadiens. David Pagnotta: The Stars have been scouting the Maple Leafs and Canadiens lately.
- Adam Kimelman: Scouting the Flyers-Blue Jackets: Blackhawks (2), Bruins, Islanders, Lightning, Sabres, Sharks, Capitals, Canadiens, Blues, and Red Wings.
- Kevin McGran: Scouting the Leafs-Panthers: Canadiens (5 – including GM Marc Bergevin), Panthers (3), Oilers, Senators, Hurricanes, Jets, Stars, Canucks, Blackhawks (2), Kings, Avalanche, Bruins, Blues, Wild and Predators.