- TSN Insider Trading: LeBrun: The Jets are still looking for another defenseman, though it may not happen until the New Year. The Coyotes have a lot of players available. Antoine Vermette could be the first to go, and there will be plenty of teams interested.Dreger: The Coyotes are telling teams interested in Vermette that it will take a good young prospect and a roster player. Some speculation that GM Don Maloney’s hands are tied a bit as they await the conclusion of the Andrew Barroway sale. The deal is progressing and a Board of Governor’s vote could be soon.
McKenzie: The Blue Jackets and Nick Foligno are talking about a contract extension, but are not far into the process. Foligno wants to stay, and they want to keep him, which could cost a lot. Think he starts at more than $5 million a year.
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: Rangers Marc Staal’s play each night is showing that they need to sign him to a contract extension as soon as they can. The closer he gets to unrestricted free agency, the more he’s going to make. Other teams find a way to lock up their guys, the Rangers need to stop procrastinating and get a deal done.
- Jim Jamieson of the Vancouver Province: Canucks GM Jim Benning has seen enough and is looking at ways to improve their roster. Finding a top-six forward may become more of priority than a No. 4 defenseman. Five of their top six forwards are over 30.
- Jim Jamieson of the Vancouver Province: Canucks winger Tom Sestito wants to play his ‘game,’ and if he’s not given a chance with the Canucks, maybe he’ll need to go elsewhere.
“I know he wants me to change,” Sestito said Wednesday of comments by Canucks head coach Willie Desjardins that he wants the big winger to play with more “pace.”
“I’m just playing the same way I’ve always played. That’s what got me here. It’s what got me into this league, being a physical presence. It’s what I’ve got to do to be in the lineup. It’s a pretty simple game I play, and if they’re not a fan of it, I’ve got to play somewhere else, I guess.”
- Jason Botchford of the Vancouver Province: Botchford doesn’t think the Canucks should trade Alex Burrows. He makes $4.5 million and you wouldn’t get replacement value if they moved him.
- Adam Kimelman: Scouting the Flyers-Panthers game: Stars (2), Blue Jackets, Oilers, Islanders, Wild, Penguins, Flames, Canucks, Panthers and Red Wings.