- Bob McKenzie: The Stars and Jason Spezza are close on a multi-year contract extension.
- Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: Stars GM Jim Nill on contract extension talks with Jason Spezza.
“We are having discussions, but I won’t go any further than that.”
- Jared Clinton of The Hockey News: The Avalanche have listed Semyon Varlamov as day-to-day with a groin injury, and will go with Reto Berra and Calvin Pickard for now. If Varlamov is out for an extended period of time, could they look to Martin Brodeur?
- Steve Simmons: “I just asked Ken Holland. Anything new with Mike Babcock? His answer: “If there was, you think I’d tell you?”
- Jonathan Willis of the Edmonton Journal: Willis wonders if a Viktor Fasth-for-James Reimer would work, possibly with the Oilers retaining some salary to make the cap hits even out. A change of scenery for both could be good. Fasth is a free agent at the end of the year and the Leafs could look to bring in a lower cost backup for next year. Reimer would give the Oilers another starter option.
- Chad DeDomincis of the Fourth Period: DeDomincis thinks it’s only a matter of time before the Sabres trade defenseman Tyler Myers. He puts forth three trade scenario’s involving the Oilers, Red Wings and Stars, and notes that the rumored asking price for Myers is one or two prospects, a roster player and a 2015 1st round pick.
Trade Scenario 1:
Edmonton Receives: D-Tyler Myers and F-Cody Hodgson
Buffalo Receives: F-Jordan Eberle, F-Boyd Gordon, and a 2015 3rd round pickTrade Scenario 2:
Detroit Receives: D-Tyler Myers and F-Chris Stewart (Sabres retain salary)
Buffalo Receives: F-Anthony Mantha, D-Kyle Quincey and 2016 1st round pickTrade Scenario 3:
Dallas Receives: D-Tyler Myers
Buffalo Receives: D-Jamie Oleksiak, F-Shawn Horcoff, and 2015 1st round pick
- Nichols on Hockey: Darren Dreger on TSN 1260 on Mike Richards and that his name is out there.
“He’s got a beefy contract, as we know. He’s got another three years, at what – 5.75? But if he’s playing in your 2 spot or third-line center, that’s an acceptable figure. There’s nothing wrong with that.
Elliotte Friedman on Sportsnet 960 on the Coyotes.
“I know that there’s been some speculation about Arizona. You know, Arizona is starting to make some changes. They just called up Lucas Lessio. They’ve put Tobias Rieder in a position where he’s getting to play a bit more. I think that they’re starting to look at some of their young kids and see how willing and ready they are for the NHL. And I think that’s led to some questions about what the Coyotes may be willing to do. Are they going to be in sell mode? I heard today that not yet. That although they’re starting to play their young guys, they’re not willing to completely turn over their roster. They want to see if these guys are ready, and if they are, then I think we could see some players – them make some decisions on some of their players. But I don’t think the Coyotes are at that point yet.”
Darren Dreger on TSN 1050 on Dion Phaneuf.
“I know there has been interest in Dion Phaneuf. Teams do call on Dion Phaneuf. I don’t know that anyone has called in-season, but I know there were inquiries in the off-season. But Nonis has been consistent in his response: ‘If you’re moving a player like Dion Phaneuf, how do you replace that player?’ And in the moment, it seems pretty easy how you could replace him, because he’s not playing well enough. And he took responsibility, as he always does, for not playing well.
“But the Leafs as an organization still see value in Dion Phaneuf. When they stop seeing value, or – the vultures are circling now. They always do. They want to pick at the carcass, right? And the Leafs are fresh meat because of how poorly they’ve played of late. But I just don’t see the return being significant enough for the Leafs to do something as drastic as moving out their captain. I think they make other moves before they do that.”