- Aaron Portzline: Have been told that James Wisniewski’s list of 10 no-trade teams was created in a way to make it difficult for the Blue Jackets to trade him. On the list are teams that have no salary cap room or need for an offensive defensemen. Teams that were on the no-trade list were teams with the cap room/need for an offensive defenseman. Wisniewski is doing everything he can to remain in Columbus.
- Pierre LeBrun: As the Blackhawks look at their trade options after Patrick Kane’s injury, Antoine Vermette is among the players they are looking at.
- Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet: The Blackhawks have been linked to Curtis Glencross, Andrej Sekera and Antoine Vermette. It doesn’t make sense for the Blackhawks to go after anyone who isn’t a rental.Capitals GM Brian MacLellan said last week that he’s not trading Mike Green for draft picks and prospects. It’s believed the Capitals will try to bring in another defenesman and are after a winger for Nicklas Backstrom and Alexander Ovechkin.
The Capitals weren’t on Curtis Glencross’s original list (Ducks, Blackhawks, Kings, Predators and Lightning), but they’d be a great fit. He may not be a fit in LA. The Blues could be watching.
Mats Zuccarello and the Rangers are not close on a new deal. There are some rumors that the Rangers could see what they could get for him, and then flip that for something else.
One GM is now planning on a $69 million salary cap for next season. That is what it could be if the players don’t vote for the escalator.
The Islanders and Johnny Boychuk’s agent are being tight-lipped. It is believed there has been one offer that would make him the highest paid Islander. John Tavares and Nick Leddy are at $5.5 million.
The Islanders can re-sign Kyle Okposo starting on July 1st, a free agent after next season.
Some teams think that Patrick Roy will do all he can to save the relationship between Ryan O’Reilly and the Avalanche.
A team may look at Jordan Tootoo as a rental.
Panthers GM Dale Tallon held out for a third for Sean Bergenheim, and eventually got it. Some teams (possibly Jets) were hoping to get him for a fourth. Teams who lost out may now increase their pursuit of Glencross and Winnik.
Tomas Fleischmann’s agent gave the Panthers permission to find a trade earlier in the season, but he carries a $4.5 million cap hit.
Don’t believe it’s a three-way race between the Bruins, Canadiens and Penguins for Joffrey Lupul.
Roman Polak might be a fit in Tampa as they are looking for someone with term.
The Coyotes could look to package Zbnyek Michalek and Antoine Vermette. The Ducks, Blues or maybe the Blackhawks could consider it.
Just spitballing – would you do Dion Phaneuf for Stephen Weiss and Jakub Kindl?