On Buyouts …
Chris Johnston: Players must be put on unconditional waivers today if they are going to be bought out by the 5 pm deadline.
On the Columbus Blue Jackets …
Jimmy Murphy: Though money is an issue, don’t be surprised if the Blue Jackets go after Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. The Oilers like some of the Blue Jackets young depth.
James Mirtle: The Blue Jackets have let teams know that they are willing to retain salary in order to move some players. They are desperate to move players like Scott Hartnell, Fedor Tyutin (buying out now), Jared Boll, etc.
On the Carolina Hurricanes and Eric Staal …
Chip Alexander: Hurricanes GM Ron Francis said he hasn’t spoken with Eric Staal, so it’s very unlikely that Staal might return to the Hurricanes.
Chip Alexander: Staal’s agent Rick Curren: “both Eric and the Canes are focusing on other options.”
On Thomas Vanek …
John Vogl: Thomas Vanek‘s agent Steve Bartlett: “He’s more motivated than I’ve ever heard him, talking about coming back & showing everybody he’s 30-goal scorer”
On the Vancouver Canucks …
News 1130 Sports: The Canucks have talked to the reps of Loui Eriksson, Milan Lucic, Darren Helm, Thomas Vanek, Mikkel Boedker, Andrew Ladd, Troy Brouwer, and Vern Fiddler.
On the Anaheim Ducks …
The Fourth Period: The Ducks have been looking for a top left winger and have shown interest in most top UFA left wingers. GM Bob Murray hasn’t ruled out bringing David Perron back.
Sources saying they’ve shown interest in Milan Lucic, Loui Eriksson and Andrew Ladd. They could also have looked at Mikkel Boedker.
Lucic is expected to sign with the Oilers. Ladd and Eriksson could be looking for at least five years at around $6 million a year.
The Ducks have had Cam Fowler‘s name out there. They could sign a left wing and then move Fowler for secondary scoring.