- TSN Insider Trading: LeBrun: the Sharks could look to move Tyler Kennedy, Adam Burish and maybe Antti Niemi if they continue to be an inconsistent team. Coach Todd McLellan could be on the hot seat. McKenzie notes that if McLellan is fired, a team that is considering a coaching change mid-season could jump in to get him before he hits the open market in the offseason.
McKenzie: The Penguins were already looking for a top-six forward before Pascal Dupuis was diagnosed with a blood clot. Before the trade deadline, they’ll need to add a top-six winger. They have looked at Drew Stafford and Chris Stewart. They have assets in young defenseman that they can move out.
Dreger: Martin Brodeur might be willing to sign anywhere. Teams are starting to call, but no offers yet. Dreger speculates that if he signs somewhere and that team drops out of the playoff race, that team could look to trade him at the deadline.
- Chip Alexander: On Alex Semin who was a healthy scratch again: “It’s obvious Canes have to find a way to resolve the Semin situation. Who wants to pay $85,000+ a game to someone sitting in the press box? A part of a coach’s job is to find ways to motivate his players and get the best out of them. Peters grappling with Semin situation. When motivated and healthy, Semin can be a big part of the Canes lineup. Maybe not a $7 million player but a solid, productive player. Not pointing a finger at Peters. He’s doing what he feels he needs to do by scratching Semin. But Canes running out of answers.”
- Kevin McGran: Scouting the Maple Leafs-Lightning: 21 representatives from 18 teams including: Oilers, Jets, Blackhawks, Avalanche, Canadiens (2), Flames (2), Senators, Stars, Wild, Rangers, Coyotes (2), Sharks, Sabres and Predators.
- Nichols on Hockey: Dreger on TSN 690 on the Jets
“Quietly, the criticism on Cheveldayoff is that he doesn’t make trades. He doesn’t make trades: player-for-player type of trades. And Winnipeg is a team that definitely needs some help on the back end. I’m sure they would like to add a bit more jam and a bit more upside to their top nine forwards. Most NHL teams are looking for that type of player.
“And they’ve got questions marks besides the names of the players you just mentioned. The Evander Kane rumour mill is never going to stop churning. Never. There are many who believe that he’s going to want out of Winnipeg at some point soon. But he’s not playing that way. He’s playing like he’s committed to helping this team earn a playoff spot.
“They’re defensively sound, primarily because of the coaching of Paul Maurice. And they’re getting good goaltending. So at the moment, there’s no sense of urgency there.”
- Nichols on Hockey: Avs Patrick Roy said on local radio that they are not interested in Martin Brodeur.