- Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet: Believe that a Dion-Phaneuf for Mike Richards deal was seriously considered, with other pieces being involved. The Kings said no to any deal involving Tanner Pearson or Tyler Toffoli.
New to the rumor mill is Avalanche defenseman Jan Hejda. The 36-year old pending UFA is playing 21:38 a game.
The Ducks could be going all in this year. Some would be surprised if they didn’t make a deal.
The Stars are believed to be looking for another defenseman, possibly one that is a right-handed shot.
The Wild are looking for goalies at both the NHL and AHL level. They are one of the teams looking at Matt O’Connor.
Steven Stamkos said his “plan” is to re-sign with the Lightning and could be looking at deals similar to Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews eight-year, $84 million deals. Not sure if Tampa wants a $11.375 million salary cap hit though.
If the NHL doesn’t go the Olympics in South Korea, replacing with the World Juniors is one rumored idea.
- Hope Smoke: Darren Dreger: “I know Nonis is in the market for young roster guys, 22-25, to fit into the Leafs renovation.” “We know, Nonis has autonomy. He can make moves without going to Shanahan for clearance, but why do that?” “Before Nonis makes a deal I’m sure he’d run it by Shanahan. #1 because he respects him as a hockey man. Why wouldn’t you get input from all of your mgmt types?” “What doesn’t make sense here , is keeping this group intact. Have to find a way to change the foundation”
- Nichols on Hockey: Darren Dreger on TSN 1050 radio on the Stars, Ducks and Cody Franson.
“In terms of the interest and activity leading toward a trade, yeah, I think it’s there. And we’re going to hear more about Cody Franson and the interest that teams have in him in the days and weeks ahead. I mean, that’s obvious because he’s a pending unrestricted free agent. He’s a big defenceman. Right shot. All of those things.
“So I think Dallas would have some interest, absolutely. I think Anaheim has some interest. I think there are a lot of teams with interest in Cody Franson.”
Elliotte Friedman on Sportsnet 960 radio linking the Ducks and Cody Franson.