On the Vancouver Canucks …
- Jason Botchford of the Vancouver Province: Botchford wonders that if James Reimer might land a 1st round pick like some suggest, what would Ryan Miller bring back in a trade?The Canucks could have traded Miller to the Sharks in the offseason, but GM Jim Benning passed.The Canucks haven’t shown any signs that they want to re-sign Dan Hamhuis. They should trade him if they don’t intend to re-sign him.
Radim Vrbata can name eight teams that he’d accept a trade to. It’s possible that he may only be worth a second round pick. GM Benning hasn’t shown much interest in stock piling draft picks, so they could look for a player in return over a pick.
Benning should see if there is any interest in Alex Burrows.
Yannick Weber and Brandon Prust won’t have much trade value.
On the Montreal Canadiens …
- Brian Wilde: GM Marc Bergevin on making trades: “It’s getting harder. Ask any GM. If there’s something long term I will do it but I’m not sacrificing 8 years player.”
On the Buffalo Sabres …
- John Vogl of the Buffalo News: There have been no contract extension talks between the Sabres and pending free Jamie McGinn according to his agent Thane Campbell.
“I try not to think about that,” said McGinn, who played his first game against Colorado since being dealt to the Sabres. “I’m happy where I am. I’m happy with the logo I’m wearing right now. That’s all that matters.
“I want to win. We’re starting to do that here, which is good, and I want to be a part of that. As long as I’m having fun out there and just worrying about hockey, all the other stuff will take care of itself.”
McGinn has 10 goals and 11 assists through 46 games so far this season. He will get some interest on the trade market as the deadline approaches. GM Murray could move him at the deadline and attempt to re-sign him in the offseason. The Sabres already have 11 draft picks this year. Do they want another 2nd or 3rd round pick?