- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Despite where they site the standings, the Blue Jackets won’t be holding a fire sale. They will listen to offers and will likely make a move or two.
“Well, we haven’t seen our team healthy all year, that’s a fact,” Kekalainen said. “That would be nice if we could see it before the end of the year and see where we’re at, make that assessment. We believed in this team at the start of the season and we still believe that we have some pretty good parts moving forward into the future.
“Having said that, we’re always still looking to improve. If there’s something that we can do to improve the team in the long term, we’ll certainly look at that.”
Mark Letestu is their only pending UFA. Pending RFAs Cam Atkinson and Matt Calvert have been getting some interest.
The Blue Jackets may listen to offers on James Wisniewski, who has two years left with cap hit of $5.5 million.
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Injuries to Ducks defenseman Sami Vatanen and Matt Beleskey may now change their trade deadline plans. The Ducks were already looking a defenseman, but now they may be looking at adding a forward as well. Adding to their blueline will be their top priority.
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: The Canucks have been looking for a top-six forward all season. They could also be looking for a defenseman now that Alex Edler has been listed as week-to-week. They have no desire to trade any of their top prospects or a first round pick. They’ll either trade low draft picks or a roster player like Zack Kassian and Shawn Matthias who are said to be available.
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Finding a top-six forward will be a high priority in the offseason for the Senators. They may look to trade a lower-end defenseman by the deadline.
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Mike Fisher’s agent, Todd Reynolds, is in Nashville today and tomorrow to discuss a contract extension.
