- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The Capitals have a big decision to make regarding Mike Green. He’s currently their 5th defenseman and the pending UFA carries a $6.25 million cap hit. They could move him for a 2nd round pick at the deadline, or hold on to him and hope for a longer playoff run. Dmitri Orlov would be their 5th defenseman when he gets healthy.The Oilers are one of 10 teams interested in college free agent goalie Matt O’Connor.
Lots of teams are waiting to see if the Hurricanes can re-sign Andrej Sekera.
The Lightning could be looking to trade 2010 1st round pick, sixth overall, Brett Connolly. The Lightning could use a defenseman with Matt Carle going down for six to eight weeks.
The Capitals have been looking for a right winger for Nicklas Backstrom and Alex Ovechkin. Matheson wonders about Michael Ryder, who could cost them a 2nd or 3rd round pick.
- Chuck Gormley of CSN Washington: Capitals GM GM Brian MacLellan on if the injuries to Dmitri Orlov and Nate Schmidt affects the future of Mike Green.
“I don’t think it affects Mike Green at all. It affects our overall depth. I expect to have Schmidt back. I mean, in the beginning of the year we would have had Orlov and Green slotted for the third pair; we would have had Hillen seventh and we would have had Schmitty as a call-up. I think everybody took advantage of the situation. Schmidt had a good camp and he moved in. Orlov was hurt. I think it all worked its way through. It’s the benefit of having good depth at defense, that we can survive that kind of stuff.”
- Alex Prewitt: Capitals GM Brian MacLellan said that the next month would determine if they try to add a piece up front.
- TSN Video: The Canadiens are looking for a top-six forward and maybe another defenseman.The Canucks are also looking for a top-six forward, but one that doesn’t have an expiring contract.
- Hope Smoke: Predators GM David Poile: “I’m really happy with our team right now & happy with the depth. I don’t want to upset the chemistry “
- Wayne Scanlan: Sense that Robin Lehner and the Senators are at a critical junction. He is frustrated and the Sens want more for him. He is not on the trade block and has not asked for a trade. Need to keep an eye on this situation.