Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Canadiens made a desperate move in acquiring Tomas Kaberle, and if doesn’t work, it could cost GM Pierre Gauthier his job. Capitals GM George McPhee has been trying to make a move to shake up their team. They’d love to move Alexander Semin but “there is no market for a struggling, underachieving winger making too much money these days.” Don’t expect the Martin Brodeur to be a rental player. If the Bruins don’t re-sign Chris Kelly, who’ll be a UFA at seasons end, the Senators could be interested. After Brian Burke’s extended Christmas roster freeze, the Maple Leafs could be looking for help down the middle as Tim Connolly has been struggling with injuries. Blue Jackets Derick Brassard could interest them, and GM Scott Howson was spotted at Marlies game. The Kings are working the phones trying to make a move, and they’d love to move Dustin Penner.
Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Inquirer: Flyers forward Claude Giroux was held out of the 3rd period last on precautionary measure after taking a hit to the head. Giroux was examined by a doctor last night and was feeling better. He’ll be re-evaluated this morning. GM Paul Holmgren on if Giroux has headaches: “not really headaches. This was really just precautionary at this stage.” Goalie Ilya Bryzgalov left the game with 13:01 left in the 3rd. “It was starting to bother me more and more during the game and we decided to be safe,” he said. Holmgren and Bryzgalov don’t think he’ll be sidelined.
Bucky Gleason of the Buffalo News: With Avalanche struggling, coach Joe Sacco and GM Greg Sherman could be on their way out if things don’t improve. Gleason thinks the Sabres should call about center Paul Stastny. They could offer up a Derek Roy or Drew Stafford and Andrej Sekera in a package for Stastny. Oilers have had Sam Gagner available all year, and they’re willing to listen to offers for Ales Hemsky, but teams aren’t lining up for either.
Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The Red Wings have about $5.6 million in salary cap space, and could use another Top 6-9 forward, as well as a veteran defenseman. Wings GM Ken Holland has been a Ales Hemsky fan, who’ll be a UFA at seasons end.
Rich Hammond of the LA Kings Insider: Kings center Mike Richards might join the Kings at some point on their 9 game road trip. He skated briefly on Friday, and continues off-ice workouts.
