- John Glennon of the Tenneessean: Potential targets for the Predators.
Defensive Depth – players that might fit include Marc Methot, Jan Hejda, Andrej Sekera and Zbynek Michalek.
Center Depth – Antoine Vermette, Ryan O’Reilly (if he’s available), Daniel Briere and Mike Santorelli.
Scoring Depth – Wingers Chris Stewart, Erik Cole, Jiri Tlusty and Jaromir Jagr.
“We’re calling teams and letting them know that if they had certain (players) available, we’d be interested in talking — just planting the seeds,” Poile said. “We’ll explore a number of avenues and specific players. If we can acquire one of them, that would be great. If we can’t … I think we’re pretty happy with what we have here and the depth we have in our organization, both here and in Milwaukee.”
- The Fourth Period: The Blues are looking to add some depth including a top-nine, two-way forward. They have the cap space and are willing to trade mid-range draft picks and prospects. T.J. Oshie was being offered around earlier this season, but it’s not known if he is still available. They have had some interest in Daniel Winnik and Antoine Vermette.
- Jim Matheson: Oilers Jeff Petry’s agent, Wade Arnott, said that there have been no contract negotiations on a new extension.
- Jim Matheson: The Oilers were willing to give Nikita Nikitin $4.5 million for this year and next, and they willing to let Jeff Petry who is better, leave.
- David Pagnotta: Stars assistant GM Les Jackson and Lightning assistant GM Pat Verbeek were at the Leafs-Canadiens game last night. The Stars have been eyeing Dion Phaneuf and Lightning have been eyeing the Leafs.
- David Pagnotta: Scouting the Leafs-Canadiens: Stars, Avalanche, Lightning, Blackhawks, Red Wings, Canucks, Panthers and Wild.
- Dennis Bernstein: Maple Leafs Director of Player Personnel Mark Hunter watched Manchester yesterday, as the Leafs-Kings dialogue continues. Andy Tonge: Leafs had two scouts at the Manchester game including Hunter. Word is there was third Leafs scout at the game. Last minute arrival and not on the seating chart.
- Bob McKenzie: The Leafs may not have entirely shut the door on Mike Richards, but the Leafs and Kings had talks about other players as well, though nothing is on the front burner at this time.
- Matt Larkin: “If Leafs do trade Kessel, it has to be for a massive return. They can’t value him as a guy being run out of town. He’s such an elite talent.”