Blues need to make some changes … Liberal’s may support new arena in Quebec City … Thrashers willing to trade … Semin wanted short deal

Mark Easson

13 years ago

Jeff Gordon of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Gordon thinks the Blues need to change something, and to do it quickly. Injuries have taken their toll, and have even hit their draft picks. The team needs to trade some of their defensive surplus for offensive help, and this should include everyone including Erik Johnson. A Johnson deal would have to be for a “young, cornerstone-caliber forward.” The Blues also need to spend some money this off-season and bring in some offensive help via free agency.

Montreal Gazette: Canadian Federal Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff would support idea of using federal funds to help build the proposed 18,000 seat arena in Quebec City. Quebec City’s mayor has been trying to get the federal government to match the provincial government’s $175 million. Quebec City would put in $50 million. Estimated cost of the arena is $400 million.

Craig Custance of the Sporting News: So Alexander Semin signed a 1 year, $6.7 million deal yesterday. The Capitals were willing to do a longer deal, but Semin wanted to do a shorter one. “He was basically comfortable with another one-year deal,” McPhee said. “That was fine with us.” One reason he may have been interested in a shorter deal is the uncertainty surrounding the CBA that expires after the 2011-12 season. Semin agent, Mark Gandler added, “Last time, they cut existing contracts 24 percent. … I’m worried about the sanctity of the contract.”

Darren Dreger via twitter: The Atlanta Thrasher might be willing to trade Nik Antropov, Freddy Modin and Ron Hainsey.

Scott Cruickshank of the Calgary Herald: It’s unlikely that anyone will claim Ales Kotalik off waivers as he’s in the 2nd year of a 3 year deal and is making $3 million. If he goes unclaimed, it doesn’t mean he’ll be sent to the AHL. He has 3 points, is a -8 in 20 games for the Flames.