- Katie Stang of ESPN: The Islanders will be buyers.
Available: the Islanders could look to improve their penalty killing. Pending UFAs Daniel Winnik and Erik Condra could be good fits for the Islanders. Winnik is getting lots of interest which could increase his price. Kyle Okposo’s rehab could change their thinking if things don’t go well.
Finances: the Islanders have lots of cap space, approximately $5.75 million.Scouting the GM: it could be a quiet deadline for the Islanders after they acquired Johnny Boychuk and Nick Leddy earlier in the season.
Said one NHL scout, “It almost feels like, unless there’s a good bargain, why bother?”
- Dhiren Mahiban of Pro Hockey Talk: Coyotes GM Don Maloney on Arizona Sports 98.7 on his strategy leading up to the trade deadline.
“We have a clear price in mind for not only Antoine , but any of our people here,” said Maloney. “We know we’re having a difficult season. We need to bring some young assets in.
“We want to introduce more youth and speed into our lineup, which is what we plan on doing going forward.”
The offers haven’t been great so far.
“We have good assets. We have good people that other teams would like to acquire,” he said. “We’d just like a little bit more than is being offered right now.”
- Helene St. James: Red Wings GM Mike Babcock on how he likes right-handed defenseman Alexey Marchenko: “I’m hoping that’s our trade.”
- David Pagnotta: Devils Patrik Elias has a full no movement clause. Marek Zidlicky has a full no-trade clause.
- Darren Dreger: Mats Zuccarello agents (Newport Sports) were in New York yesterday. It was nothing formal, but contract talks need to get moving. The Rangers have cap issues, which makes it tough.
- Ryan Rishaug: The Oilers have had recent talks with Jeff Petry’s representatives. Wouldn’t be a surprise if an offer has come in. It’s a long-shot with unrestricted free agency looming, but you never know. Jason Gregor: Spoke with Petry yesterday morning, he hasn’t seen an offer. His agent may not tell him, but sense was that a deal would not be happening.
- Ryan Rishaug: Wouldn’t be surprised if the Oilers signed Rob Klinkhammer to an extension. He’s been a good fit.