- Tony Gallagher of the Vancouver Province: There are rumors that the NHL is looking into buying the Atlanta Thrashers and moving them to Winnipeg. They would raise $160 million, putting $35 million towards running the team, and offer $125 million to buy the team. It’s not know how far this idea has gone, or if it’s just in the tire kicking stages.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Columbus Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson could be on the hotseat, and possibly the same for Darcy Regier if the new owner wants to start fresh.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Bruins should announce this week if Marc Savard is shut down for the season or not. The Bruins could be looking for forward help and Jackets, Senators, Oilers and Panthers have forwards available for trade. With Evgeni Malkin done for the year it’s likely the Penguins will look at add some scoring. The Thrashers are looking to move Nik Antropov, Ron Hainsey and Freddy Modin.The only way Florida brings back Tomas Vokoun is if it’s on a 1 year deal. The Predators, Kings, and Lightning are looking at Mike Fisher, but the Senators are unlikely to move him. The Sens are looking for 2 top prospects and a high pick. The Canadiens, Sharks, Bruins and Capitals could be interested in Chris Phillips.
- David Kalan of NHL.com: What might the Penguins do with Malkin now done. Jason Arnott might be of interest to the Penguins. The Pens will be able to bring in $8.1 million in salary cap at the deadline. The Pens now have the salary space to add an Ales Hemsky or Dustin Penner, and if shooting for the moon, Jarome Iginla. Malkin’s number comes back on the books next year, so bringing in some help that is under contract next year could be difficult to do.
- Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson said he won’t discuss contract extensions with any of his 5 UFA’s, so they may become trade bait. Jan Hejda, Mathieu Garon, Ethan Moreau and Chris Clark and Andrew Murray will all be UFAs. Mike Commodore could be bought out in the summer if they can’t find a team to take him.
- Can’t find embed code for last night’s Hockey Night in Canada Hotstove yet, but here is a link to it.
- NHL Sources Say: The Hockeycentral panel discuss what the Penguins might do to replace Evgeni Malkin (Alex Kovalev an option) as well as a potential trade between Edmonton and Ottawa (Penner and Phillips as key pieces of the deal). Yzerman may be looking to improve along the blueline, possibly Beachemin and Phillips. Senators are looking for a goaltender.