Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Tribune Review: Penguins GM Jim Rutherford.
“We’re getting into the period where names are going to surface and teams are going to get serious,” Rutherford told Trib Total Media. “If it’s a guy who’s capable of scoring a big goal, I would like to get that guy because if Sid and Geno get shut down, we need to be able to win games with our third and fourth lines.”
On their blueline, with Christian Ehrhoff returning soon and Derrick Pouliot and Robert Bortuzzo’s improved play.
“Based on the guys who are out there on defense, I’m not sure that we’re getting somebody who can necessarily do a better job than what we have — if we’re healthy,” Rutherford said.
There is concern over pending UFA Steve Downie and his bad third period penalties. Rutherford doesn’t want to trade any of their defense prospects: Pouliot, Scott Harrington and Brian Dumoulin. No deal is imminent. They want to add some more scoring to their top-nine.
The Fourth Period: The Flames and Curtis Glencross haven’t been able to make much progress on a contract extension. If they can’t re-sign him, they’ll look to trade him. Glencross has a no-movement clause. Elliotte Friedman reported the Bruins, Ducks, Lightning, Jets and Penguins may be interested, but Glencross may prefer the Ducks.
Habs Links: Bob McKenzie on TSN 690 on the Canadiens large contingent at the Leafs-Panthers game: “Nobody seems to know for certain what (Bergevin & co) were looking at.” … “It was a fairly showy display… it keeps the speculation alive that’s for sure.”
Habs Links: McKenzie: “The Montreal #Canadiens are not going to give up a Lars Eller for a rental, under any circumstances…” … “When I mentioned Eller/Emelin being available, would be in context of much bigger deal where they bring back a significant piece.” “In the old days TOR-MTL would never make a trade, but we have evidence that won’t be a problem for Bergevin-Nonis” (Gorges)
David Pagnotta: Canadiens Alexei Emelin has a limited no-trade clause, and has a say in where he can be moved too if the Canadiens decide to trade him. (posted before he left last night’s game)