- Craig Custance of ESPN: The Wild will likely be buyers at the deadline (added Sean Bergenheim after article was posted). The Wild’s blueline has been hit with some injuries. They don’t need someone like Andrej Sekera, thought it would be a nice addition. They need someone that could step in and play some minutes in case of an injury. The same goes for up front.
Finances: the salary cap isn’t an issue for the Wild as they have over $6 million in space. (before the Bergenheim trade)
- Craig Custance: The asking price for Sabres Chris Stewart in one negotiation was a B+ prospect and no picks. That’s not as high as some of the speculation.
- Craig Custance: The Sabres haven’t talked to anyone about Nikita Zadorov. You can’t rule out anything with the Sabres, but there are no talks now.
- Joe Yerdon: “Chances Tim Murray doesn’t move his pursued UFA guys? Slim I’d say. Neuvirth only one of the bunch that might get a contract. When I say “pursued” guys I mean Stewart, Mitchell, and Neuvirth. Lindback, Meszaros, Benoit won’t have much of a market. Of those guys, Benoit may have the most appeal. Small contract/cap hit. If your team needs an experienced offensive-minded guy he’s it. But if you’re a Sabres fan geeked for deadline day, you’re probably going to be disappointed in the lack of big action.
- David Pagnotta: The Canadiens would like to add another forward and a defenseman. If the prices remain high, they’ll stand pat. GM Marc Bergevin is considering some of the available “rentals,” but those prices are high. Priority remains players with term.
- Habs Links: Pierre LeBrun on TSN 690: “Marc Bergevin would like to make another deal or two before Monday” if he’s not mortgaging future.
- Habs Links: Pierre LeBrun: “I knew (ANA-MTL) were talking – been hearing that for a mth – but I thought they were talking about d-men. Never heard Smith-Pelly”
- Habs Links: LeBrun: : “My information is I don’t think the #Canadiens have any real, serious interest in Joffrey Lupul.”