- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Some think that executives are worried about nothing with regards to next seasons salary cap.
“My thinking is there’s been some propaganda perpetuated that the cap won’t be high,” said a league executive. “My thinking that’s been done to stop teams from signing dumb contracts in free agency.”
Some think the Stars GM Jim Nill will address their goaltending in the off-season. The Wild do have Josh Harding in the AHL. The Stars have been offering Erik Cole and Vernon Fiddler around the league, but they are not getting a lot of interest.
The Penguins are still looking to make a bigger trade than their one on Friday when they acquired Rob Klinkhammer. Patric Hornqvist is out indefinitely.
The Hurricanes will be looking to move some money and will move pretty much any defenseman. Andrej Sekera, Tim Gleason and Brett Bellemore will likely be moved. They hope to get some interest in John-Michael Liles.
Coaches on the hotseat: Todd McLellan, Paul MacLean and Dallas Eakins.
Interest has increased on Chris Stewart. The Bruins, Flames and Senators have shown interest.
Executive is saying that the Rangers are looking to add a forward, but GM Glen Sather “wants to make a lopsided deal.”
The Coyotes may be looking to cut some salary, but they aren’t hanging up the “for sale” sign just yet. Antoine Vermette will likely be moved closer to the trade deadline.
Teams that may have shown interest in David Perron: Canadiens, Senators, Blue Jackets, Panthers, Ducks and Bruins.
The Sharks have been trying to make some trades, but aren’t offering a lot: Tyler Kennedy and Matt Irwin.
Maple Leafs GM Dave Nonis has been looking for a defenseman.
- Mark Lazerus of the Chicago Sun-Times: Two sources have said that Blackhawks Jeremy Morin isn’t happy being a healthy scratch for eight games. There will be less room for him on the roster when Patrick Sharp returns to the lineup this week. Morin’s camp has apparently has let management know that he isn’t happy. He’s on a two-year, one-way deal.
- Elliotte Friedman: Early estimations have next year’s salary cap in the “mid-to-low” $70 million range.
- Elliotte Friedman: The Oilers asked the Blue Jackets about Ryan Johansen but were told he was not available. Friedman thinks a bunch of teams did after they had the contract dispute during training camp.
- The Fourth Period: The Ottawa Senators would like to add some extra scoring. They have been linked to Sabres Chris Stewart, Oilers David Perron and Coyotes Mikkel Boedker. Contract talks with Marc Methot are expected to start again in the near future.
- The Fourth Period: The Oilers are believed to be looking for a top-two center, a young defenseman and another piece for Jordan Eberle. The Canadiens might be looking at Eberle or Nail Yakupov according to another teams executive. Teams could be interested in Nathan Beaulieu and Jarred Tinordi. Lars Eller and Michael Bournival could be in play.
- Jeremy Rutherford: No trade seems imminent for the Blues, but where there is smoke, there is fire.