On the Islanders …
- Kevin Allen of the USA Today: The Islanders are trying to meet Travis Hamonic’s wishes and trade him closer to his home in Manitoba. There may not be many scenarios where the Islanders would be in a better position after trading Hamonic.The Oilers might be the best fit, but they don’t want to trade Darnell Nurse or Oscar Klefbom.
This trade would be much easier for the Islanders to make in the offseason.
The Jets would be a natural landing spot for him. Dustin Byfuglien’s name has come up, but he’s a pending UFA.
Maybe three team trade could work, with Hamonic initially going to a non-contender or rebuilding team, who could then flip him to the Oilers or Jets for prospects or draft picks.
Or, they could send Hamonic to the Oilers for a forward, then flip the forward for a defenseman. Nail Yakupov plus something from Oilers, and then moving Yakupov.
Three team trades are rare, but it might work in this situation.
On the Hurricanes …
- Kevin McGran of the Toronto Star: Decision time for the Hurricanes and Eric Staal is getting closer – to re-sign or to look at moving on.
“As every day goes by, it gets closer to certain decisions being made,” said Staal. “I’ve been focused on what I have to do at the rink to help this team.
“That kind of stuff will play itself out when we get there. Right now, I haven’t worried about it a lot.”
Staal has been in constant contact with GM Ron Francis, talking about day-to-day life to the direction of the team.
On the Canucks …
- Patrick Johnston of the Vancouver Province: Johnson wonders if Dan Hamhuis might be of use to a true playoff contender, adding that he would be a good fit for a team looking for some defensive depth. He’s a pending UFA, with a $4.25 million cap hit. He has a no-trade clause, but later on in the season he might be interested in playing for a Cup contender.
On the Oilers ….
- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: (mailbag) There is no way the Oilers would trade Taylor Hall for Travis Hamonic. Not sure the Oilers should part with Anton Lander just yet. His lack of offense at the NHL level is alarming though. Some scouts wonder if Lander has another ‘skating gear.’
On the Canadiens …
- Hockey Central at Noon – Alex Semin and the Canadiens isn’t working out. The panel talks about GM Marc Bergevin looking for a forward, with Jarred Tinordi as a possible trade chip.