Rumors II: Predators, Blue Jackets, Ducks, Wings and Leafs

On the Predators …

On Blue Jackets and Ducks …

  • Craig Custance: When the Blue Jackets were looking for a defenseman in earlier trade talks, teams were asking for Zach Werenski. Teams are unlikely to be any more helpful for the Ducks.

On the Ducks …

  • Eric Stephens: When asked if he expects to be coaching the Ducks this weekend:  “Yeah. Until somebody tells me , I’m coaching the team.”
  • Helene Elliott: “Again, sense I’ve gotten is that Murray knew team might start slow because of off-season changes and he wasn’t blaming Boudreau. But Murray must make a big decision now: call out underachieving players? Fire Boudreau? Try to restructure team? Trades are tough and would mean more changes, more adjustments. Would replacing Boudreau with MacLean make that much of a difference?
  • Elliott Teaford: Ducks GM could fire head coach Bruce Boudreau and replace him with assistant coach Paul MacLean or San Diego (AHL) coach Dallas Eakins.

On the Red Wings …

  • John Buccigross of ESPN: (answer twitter questions) Jets Dustin Byfuglien is 31, makes $6 million this year, and will be a UFA at the end of the season. Someone will give him $7 million a year. The Wings likely won’t be interested in trading for Byfuglien.

On the Maple Leafs …

  • The Fourth Period: Bob McKenzie reporting that the Maple Leafs have made defenseman Roman Polak available. The  Blue Jackets, Bruins, Sabres and Kings are all believed to be interested in adding a defenseman. It’s unclear if any of the above teams have contacted the Leafs. The 29-year old Polak carries a $2.9 million cap hit, $3.1 million salary and will be a UFA at the end of the season.

On the Leafs putting Marc Arcobello on waivers and signing Rich Clune

  • James Mirtle: Thinking that Clune maybe able to get the Maple Leafs a better asset at the trade deadline than Arcobello. Teams are always looking for players that play like Clune.