On the Rangers …
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: With only having $1.6 million in salary cap space at the moment and potential issues for next season, Patrick Marleau’s $6.667 million salary cap hit should rule him out for the Rangers. Even if the Sharks were to retain half of Marleau’s salary, he’s the wrong player at the wrong time for the Rangers.
- Brooks mentions four rental players who could interest the Rangers if the team retain some salary and if the cost isn’t too expensive – Eric Staal, Shane Doan, Dustin Byfuglien and Andrew Ladd.
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: There have been no contract extension talks between Rangers GM Jeff Gorton and pending UFA defenseman Keith Yandle. Both sides don’t appear to be in a rush. There has been no indication from the Rangers that they will look to trade him if they don’t reach a contract extension.
“We haven’t had any discussions with the Rangers,” Yandle’s agent, Jerry Buckley, told The Post on Tuesday. “There is no timetable as far as we are concerned.
“I know Keith likes it in New York and likes the team, but his entire focus is on having a good year and winning. I don’t anticipate there being a deadline for Keith to sign during the season.
“Both sides will have a clearer idea of how they want to proceed at the end of the year.”
On the Sharks …
- Kevin Kurz of CSN Bay Area: Several reports are that Patrick Marleau is the one interested in exploring trade options. Marleau on Wednesday if he wanted to remain in San Jose.
“I’ve been here forever and it’s been a great place to play,” said Marleau, the franchise’s all-time leader in scoring and games played. “I’m not going to get into specifics or anything like that. There’s always been rumors in my career. I don’t really want to feed into it anymore or comment on it. I don’t want it to become a distraction or anything.”
- Craig Custance of ESPN: The Ducks, Kings and Rangers may be more of preferences for trade destinations for Patrick Marleau and that the door could be open for other options according to a source.
- One GM said trying to make a trade right now is all but impossible.
“Money plays a role in it,” he said. “It seems when you phone a guy, he has five guys he’s not trading and 10 guys that don’t fit. You’re just trying to find fits and money that fits. It’s hard.”