- David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News: Sharks Antti Niemi knew his name was in the rumor mill prior to the deadline, and though he tried to down play his concerns, his mindset has improved since the deadline past.
“It’s hard to try not to think about it,” Niemi said. “You still hear, especially from you guys (media), you hear the rumors. I don’t think I thought about it too much, but of course it’s gone now, so there’s nothing to think about anymore.”
Mark Purdy of the Bay Area News Group reported that 24 hours prior to the deadline, a group of players met with GM Doug Wilson to say that they preferred to have Niemi around for their playoff push.
“It makes me feel appreciated here,” Niemi said, “and it makes me appreciate them even more.”
The pending UFA on if his agent has spoken with Wilson about his future: “They probably spoke.”
- Dave Isaac on the Courier-Post: Flyers coach Craig Berube knows they aren’t having the season they had hoped for, but isn’t thinking about how it might cost him his job.
“I don’t really think about it to be honest with you,” said Berube, in his first full season as coach. “I told you that before and I don’t now. It’s the nature of the business. I don’t worry about.”
- The Fourth Period: Senators owner Eugene Melnyk and GM Bryan Murray have told Daniel Alfredsson that they have a management position for him if he wants it. Alfredsson is still wanting “some time away from the game” before he decides what to do. The Ottawa Sun said the Sens have offered him a Senior VP role.
- Nichols on Hockey: Elliotte Friedman on Sportsnet 960 on Blue Jackets college prospect Mike Reilly. Reilly could be this years Kevin Hayes if he decides not to sign with the Blue Jackets. Think there are a number of teams watching him and the situation. Feeling is it may not be looking good for the Blue Jackets. A lot of teams would be interested. Reilly’s dad is a minority owner of the Wild.
- Dan Gustafson: Infograph of trades made on trade deadline day
