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Sunday notes on Flames, Leafs, Canucks, Blake, Doughty, Connolly, Mueller, Hemsky and McDonald
Mark Easson
Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: 2 league sources are saying that the Flames GM Jay Feaster is desperately trying to move contracts off their books. The Flames may be shopping Matt Stajan, Niklas Hagman and David Moss, but it may be tough finding someone wanting those contract. Stajan has 3 years left on his 4 year, $14 million deal. Ollie Jokinen, Hagman and Moss could be deadline rentals. Despite having the 5th highest payroll, Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson could be on the hotseat. A league executive, “There’s actually a lot of teams talking for this time of year. I don’t think you’re going to see anything shake down until the end of the month.” Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke is checking out interest in Carl Gunnarson and Tyler Bozak. The Leafs would like to make room for defenseman Keith Aulie and they don’t plan on sending Jake Gardiner to the minors. Canucks GM Mike Gillis has been working the phones looking to move a defenseman, possibly Keith Ballard, and not goalie. One league executive hasn’t heard Kyle Turris’ name mentioned in trade talks.
Eric Stephens of the OC Register: Ducks winger Jason Blake could be out 3 months after suffering a lacerated tendon just above his wrist. He will have surgery on Monday.
Helene Elliott of the LA Times: Kings defenseman Drew Doughty will be out 7 to 10 days with an upper-body injury. Kings GM Dean Lombardi said it didn’t involve Doughty’s head.
Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune: The Lightning will have to decide soon if they want to burn a contract year with 2010 1st round pick Brentt Connolly. Connolly has played in 5 games so far, they play their 10th game on Oct. 27th.
Eric Francis of the Calgary Sun: Hockey Canada president Bob Nicholson would like to see the NHL entry draft switch the drafting age from 18 to 19, “For the most part, 18- and 19-year-old players are not close to being ready for the NHL. If the draft goes back a year, it slows down the process at every level. Right now, everyone is on a treadmill to get there.” Only 6% of 18 year olds play in the NHL the year they are draft.
Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Avalanche forward Peter Mueller is listed as day-to-day and is skating, but the Avs have contected a concussion expert who has dealt with Mueller in the past.