- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Some league executives think the Lightning better get Steven Stamkos signed before the trade deadline or they are going to have a hard time re-signing him.
“(After Feb. 29) you have to think his agent will be telling him to test the market,” said one executive Friday.
Talk is that the Lightning haven’t made an offer to Stamkos, but both sides are keeping talks quiet.
It is thought that the Lightning are trying to clear some money off the books – Matt Carle and his $5.5 million that runs through 2017-18.
Many were surprised that the Blue Jackets chose John Tortorella over Randy Carlyle.
Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen is trying hard to find a top-four, puck moving defenseman.
“Good luck with that,” noted a league executive. “Everybody is looking for that kind of player.”
The Blue Jackets had some interest in Maple Leafs defenseman Roman Polak, but they have to be careful as their playoff chances are slim.
Expect the Flames to make a trade soon if they don’t get their act together. GM Brad Treliving has been telling teams that he’d like to shake up his roster, but doesn’t have anything specific in mind.
Ducks Bruce Boudreau could be looking for work if they don’t turn things around. Paul MacLean is already an assistant with the Ducks and would be the top candidate.
Ducks defenseman Clayton Stoner is available, but he won’t bring much of a return.
A Western Conference executive: “Teams don’t know what they have right now.”
The Bruins are looking for a defenseman. They would like to trade pending UFA Loui Eriksson and his $4.25 million. They tried to trade him several times during the offseason. A playoff contender will likely be interested in Chris Kelly.
Should expect the Hurricanes to trade Cam Ward at some point.
Coyotes GM Don Maloney is looking for a defenseman. A league executive said that Maloney doesn’t the mix he currently has.
