- Mike Colligan: Teams have to put players on waivers by noon today if they want to create more cap space for the deadline tomorrow.
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: The Avalanche will be moderate sellers. They have pending UFA defenseman Jan Hejda, who has been getting some interest. Ryan O’Reilly’s name has been out there, but they will try to re-sign him in the offseason, and if they can’t get it done, he would likely be moved then.
- Jim Matheson: The Blackhawks don’t have a 1st or 2nd round pick anymore, so if they move Patrick Sharp at the draft, they may look to get recapture at least one of those.
- Jonas Siegel TSN: The Maple Leafs hope to send Olli Jokinen to a contender by tomorrow.
- Joe Haggerty of CSNNE: The Bruins are now going through their other options. GM Peter Chiarelli is looking for a physical right winger, a depth defenseman and possibly a backup goalie. Chiarelli wants to acquire those without giving up their first round pick or any of their top prospects. Dennis Seidenberg and Loui Eriksson have been mentioned as potential targets for other teams if the Bruins are looking to shed some salary. Chris Stewart and Erik Cole are at the top of their list for a power-forward. Curtis Glencross could also fit on the wing. They like defenseman Jeff Petry and could get him for a second round pick. Depth options up front could be Michael Ryder and Martin Havlat. The Bruins should be able to make a trade or two by the deadline.
- Ansar Khan of MLive: Red Wings GM Ken Holland.
“One minute I think I shouldn’t do anything, the next minute I think these guys have played their (rears) off for 60 games, maybe I should help them a little bit,” Holland said. “But help can’t just be a body.”
The Red Wings are still looking for a right-handed defenseman or a big, gritty winger.
“We’re exploring if there’s players out there that would make our team better; not looking for a lateral move,” Holland said. “If there’s only lateral moves or the price is higher than we’re prepared to pay, we won’t do anything.”
Stars Erik Cole is a possibility. On the blueline, Jeff Petry and Zbnyek Michalek remain options. They are not prepared to take on Dion Phaneuf’s $7 million contract.
- Joe Smith: Lightning players are curious as to what GM Steve Yzerman is going to do before the deadline. They are confident though that they can contend if they stand pat.