On the Toronto Maple Leafs …
- Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: Teams will be heavily scouting the Maple Leafs leading up to the trade deadline. Anyone not named Morgan Rielly, Nazem Kadri, Jake Gardiner and James Reimer may be available.GM Lou Lamoriello has a history of not being easy to deal with, but he knows his job is to turn players into draft picks.Leafs most likely to be traded include: Roman Polak, Daniel Winnik, Shawn Matthias and P.A. Parenteau. It’s unlikely that anyone would be interested in Nick Spaling, Brad Boyes or Martin Marincin.
- Platinum Seat Ghosts: Pierre LeBrun said the thinks the Maple Leafs would want to wait until the offseason to contemplate trading Dion Phaneuf. LeBrun added: “They might want him for the rebuild.”
On the Vancouver Canucks …
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: How the Canucks do over the next few weeks will determine what they will do with pending UFA Radim Vrbata. If they are still in the hunt, LeBrun thinks they will hold on to him and risk losing him for nothing. The Canucks will potentially have $15 million coming off the books at the end of the year. Loui Eriksson might look good playing with the Sedin’s. Canucks GM Jim Benning could be a player this summer in the free agent market.
On the Calgary Flames …
- TSN: Bob McKenzie said that Jiri Hudler could become available as a rental player. He’s not having a great year, but someone looking for a playoff push could be interested.
On the Los Angeles Kings …
- Dennis Bernstein: Think that the Kings will look to add another defenseman before the February 29th trade deadline.
Scouting the Montreal Canadiens – Columbus Blue Jackets game on Monday …
- Aaron Portzline: Scouting list for Monday’s Canadiens-Blue Jackets game: Avalanche, Maple Leafs, Devils, Predators, Rangers, Stars and Red Wings.