- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The Oilers should go after Kings goalie Martin Jones. They have the Penguins 1st round pick from the David Perron trade, and if it takes a prospect as well, so be it.
The Blackhawks are interested in Antoine Vermette. The Blackhawks might have to trade Patrick Sharp in the offseason due to their cap situation and let Johnny Oduya walk in free agency. The Coyotes hope to get a 1st round pick and prospect, which won’t be Tuovo Teravainen. They could include Mark McNeill or Philip Danault.
Matheson wonders if the Flames would be interested in Phil Kessel. They would probably move Mikael Backlund, and have prospects Morgan Klimchuk, Emile Poirier, Jon Gillies and Sven Baertschi.Curtis Glencross could be a good fit in New York, who are looking for third line help, or in Los Angeles. (he doesn’t sWpecify if with Islanders or Rangers. Would guess the Rangers as it’s been noted that they are looking for depth)W
- Brad Ziemer: Canucks GM Jim Benning thinks that a goalie trade (Jacob Markstrom or Eddie Lack) is more likely at the draft than at the deadline.
- Jason Botchford of the Vancouver Province: The Canucks shouldn’t trade Eddie Lack. One Lack or Markstrom will be traded. Lack will be a UFA at the end of next season. Markstrom will be a RFA at the end of this season and has suggested he’d go back to Sweden if he isn’t in the NHL.
- James Gordon: The Jets trading for Tyler Myers allows them to trade Dustin Byfuglien at next years deadline. He’ll be 30-years old, a UFA after next season and looking for a big deal.
- Jim Matheson: The Wings are interested in Jeff Petry, the Oilers should be scouting their AHL team in Grand Rapids for younger defensemen.
- Craig Morgan: Coyotes GM Don Maloney on their interest in Evander Kane: “Any time there’s a young player available in this league at that age you have to know that we’re interested. I don’t want to get into specifics but we’re always interested in good players, top players.”
- Juha Hiitela: @shoffren reporting that Finnish forward Joonas Kemppainen is being pursued by at least five teams.
- Ryan Wagman of ESPN: Atlantic division problems and fixes.
Lightning – Problem: blueline depth. Fixes: Marc Methot
Canadiens – Problem: not enough possession-driving forwards. Fixes: Martin EratRed Wings – Problem: lack of offense from the blueline. Fixes: Stefan Elliott
Bruins – Problem: lack of depth on the wings. Fixes: Chris Stewart
Panthers – troubles earning and converting on power-play opportunities. Solution: Scott Gomez
Senators – Problem: a porous blueline. Fixes: Nikita Nesterov (for Marc Methot)
Maple Leafs – Problem: lack of cap flexibility. Fixes: Jimmy Vesey (for Cody Franson)
Sabres – Problem: hockey. Fixes: Ryan Spooner (for Chris Stewart)