- Alex Prewitt: Capitals coach Barry Trotz on the deadline: “It takes two to dance. We’re going to the dance and there’s 30 guys and only like eight girls.”
- Chuck Gormley of CSN Washington: Capitals coach Barry Trotz on the trade deadline.
“Mac has come down here every day probably for the last month, trying to bounce ideas and things he’s talking about with other people,” Trotz said. “The communication has been good, not just between me and Mac, but the whole coaching staff.”
The Capitals would like to add a forward and Stars Erik Cole and Vern Fiddler could be of interest. The Stars have been scouting the Capitals lately. Trotz coached Fiddler for six seasons in Nashville.
“People are getting excited for mid-range players. There’s no star player. I’m not downgrading any of the players that have been traded, but there’s not that big, sexy difference-maker guy that’s been there in the past, like Iginla. There’s some good players, but not difference-makers.
“That’s one of the issues we talk about. It might make us just that much better, but if you’re taking out a guy who’s been totally invested all year, maybe you’re not getting as much as you think.
“We have talked about that. You can jam things up if you have the same type of guys. When you add a player it affects two others. Somebody’s going to get moved down or out. It can affect your chemistry a little bit. But if you get the right fit it can be petty seamless.”
- News 1130 Sports: Hearing that the Canucks have started contract talks with pending UFA Derek Dorsett.
- News 1130 Sports: Canucks Brad Richardson’s agent, Mark Guy: “We have not begun any formal contract discussions at this time.”
- News 1130 Sports: Canucks Shawn Matthias’s (pending UFA) agent, Rich Evans: “It’s premature to discuss Shawn’s contract situation.
- Habs Links: Agent Allen Walsh said that the Ducks showed some interest in Jiri Sekac in the summer, but weren’t among the 12 teams that made an offer.
- Steve Zipay of Newsday: The Rangers were in the mix for Maple Leafs Daniel Winnik. They are targeting a depth defenseman and are also interested in Antoine Vermette.