- Dan Rosen of NHL.com: (mailbag) The Rangers could use a third-line center that can win faceoffs and be used on the penalty kill. Maybe a backup goalie depending on Henrik Lundqvist’s situation.Cody Franson would be a perfect fit in Nashville.
- Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun: Sources saying the Rangers are the most interested in Mike Santorelli. His low salary and versatility is attractive to teams. Same with Daniel Winnik.
“There isn’t a playoff team that couldn’t use either of those players,” an NHL team executive said of the two players expected to be among the top half dozen or so players available as the NHL trade deadline nears
GM Dave Nonis said on Tuesday that though he’s getting plenty of interest from teams, mostly they are “kicking the tires.”
- Joe Haggerty of CSNNE: The Bruins need to make a move or two to solidify their roster. The Bruins have been watching Drew Stafford, Chris Stewart, Michael Ryder, Zack Kassian and Cam Atkinson. Also, don’t rule out Jaromir Jagr. Ryder would be cheap to get and has a history with David Krejci. Matt Beleskey could be a left-handed shot that could play on the right side. Trading the streaky Reilly Smith might make sense if they were looking at bringing another RFA in Cam Atkinson. The Bruins are unlikely to give up a first round pick and a prospect for rental defensemen in Cody Franson and Andrej Sekera.The Bruins should also start looking at ways to move Zdeno Chara while they could get some value for the 37-year old. He has a $7 million for the next three seasons. It’s a move that would have to happen in the offseason at the earliest.
- John Vogl of the Buffalo News: Sabres GM Tim Murray won’t be finished dealing. They are still expected to trade Chris Stewart and Torrey Mitchell. Despite including one of their first round picks in yesterday’s trade, they haven’t ruled out trying to add another one
- Damien Cox of Sportsnet: Looking at the Vancouver Canucks leading up to the trade deadline.1. Let the chips fall as they may.
2. Go out and find immediate help – adding a center and a right-handed defenseman. Tyler Bozak may be a good option, and may not cost a lot. Antoine Vermette could be another option. Costly additions for the blueline could include Cody Franson, Marc Methot, Mike Green and Johnny Oduya.
3. Dump veterans – bringing back prospects and draft picks. Dan Hamhuis should bring back a nice return, maybe a first round pick?
