Rich Chere: There are 26 scouts listed on the seating chart for the Devils-Coyotes game: Flames (4), Stars (2), Red Wings (2), Blackhawks (2), Blues (2), Islanders (2), Sharks, Sabres, Blue Jackets, Canadiens, Panthers, Capitals, Rangers, Avalanche, Senators, Wild, Coyotes and Claude Loiselle who is independent. Only two games tonight, with this one being the only one on the east coast.
Jeremy Rutherford: Antoine Vermette is much sought after. The Coyotes and Devils have some defenseman that could be available.
Jeremy Rutherford: Devils Marek Zidlicky has a no trade clause, but maybe a certain special adviser to the Blues GM (Martin Brodeur)could let the defenseman know all he needs to know about St. Louis.
Rich Chere: Among the scouts in New Jersey is Blues GM Doug Armstrong and assistant GM Kevin McDonald. No Martin Brodeur.
John Vogl: Can expect that Sabres GM Tim Murray will only make the obvious UFA type trades.
Pat Leonard: Rangers coach Alain Vigneault said that if they can add something before the deadline, they will. If they don’t end up doing anything, he still likes the group and their work ethic.
Ian McLaren: Joe Haggerty on Sportsnet 590: The Bruins options are limited because “prices are sky high, GMs know Chiarelli is on the hot seat.” … “Chiarelli not prepared to deal prime assets to save his own job.” Haggerty added that Tuukka Rask is showing signs of “mental fatigue” and that the Bruins could kick tires on bringing in a veteran backup.
TSN Trade Bait update: Most likely to be dealt: 1. Antoine Vermette 2. Andrej Sekera 3. Jeff Petry 4. Daniel Winnik 5. Zbynek Michalek 6. Chris Stewart 7. Sean Bergenheim 8. Jiri Tlusty 9. Curtis Glencross 10. Jan Hejda
Hockey Central at Noon – who will be big deadline day players
