- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Several GMs are looking to have a one time amnesty buyout in the next CBA that wouldn’t carry a salary cap hit. The Rangers would be interested in Rick Nash, and the Blue Jackets could ask for Brandon Dubinsky, Chris Kreider and a 1st round pick. The Predators won’t be dealing Ryan Suter and Shea Weber at the deadline, instead they’ll be looking to add a top 6 forward. There aren’t many available, they could look at Ales Hemsky. Don’t be surprised if P.A. Parenteau is next to sign a 4-5 year deal extension with the Islanders. Oilers defenseman Andy Sutton’s agent was meeting with the Oilers in attempt to get a 1 year deal done. Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman is trying to find a 2nd line center and a defenseman. They could be interested in Sabres center Derek Roy. No team has called the Senators about Sergei Gonchar, who has 1 year left at $5.5 million. If the Hurricanes and Tuomo Ruutu can’t work out a deal, he’ll be dealt. The Predators, Maple Leafs, Senators, Sharks, Red Wings, Rangers and Bruins are looking for forward. The Hurricanes are asking for a 1st round pick and top prospect for Ruutu. Ruutu wants a $5 million per season deal. The Sabres have been trying to trade defenseman Robin Regehr and Paul Gaustad. Regehr has 1 year left at $4 million. The Red Wings, Rangers, Bruins and Maple Leafs would have interest in Ryan Smyth if he decides to move on from the Oilers.
- Bucky Gleason of the Buffalo News: A Luke Schenn for James van Riemsdyk is a popular rumor, but unlikely to happen. JVR has been out Jan. 12th with a concussion. Despite his reasonable cap hit of $4.25 million through 2016-17, the Flyers can’t get maximum return for him. Burke will keep Schenn for now. Burke also won’t rent a player unless the price is minimal. Shane Doan would be a good fit in San Jose. The Sharks have the prospects and cap room. The Hurricanes are trying to re-sign Tuomo Ruutu, but if they can’t get a deal done, the Red Wings and Rangers could be interested. Sabres Paul Gaustad is a pending UFA, and the Red Wings have been scouting the Sabres in recent weeks. The Rangers have shown interest in Ryan Smyth. Rick Nash could be on his way out of Columbus if he doesn’t want to go through another rebuild and will waive his no-trade clause. He has a $7.8 million cap hit through 2017-18. Ryan Malone may be a good fit in Ottawa. It’s unlikely that the Ducks will move Ryan Getzlaf, but that could change if they get a top 6 forward or top 4 defenseman, a prospect and a high draft pick. The Rangers could make a play for him, with the starting price likely Derek Stepan. The Flyers and Blackhawks could be interested in Hal Gill. The Flyers are also interested in Bryan Allen. The Flames may be looking to get rid of Cory Sarich. There has been rumors that the Kings are interested in Jeff Carter, but the price may be too steep. Carter’s deal is for 11 years and $58 million (10 years left).