Trade Hits: Clearing cap space, Blues goaltenders and Edler
  • Tom Gulitti: An agent speculated that free agent talk is quiet as teams are talking trades to clear cap space.
  • Andy Strickland of True Hockey: Blues GM Doug Armstrong indicated that he expects both Jaroslav Halak and Brian Elliott to start the season with the Blues. Armstrong had been shopping both goalies. Strickland wonders if a team would sign Jake Allen to an offer sheet. The Flyers, Panthers and Islanders could all use goaltending help.
  • The Fourth Period: Blues GM Armstrong has been trying for weeks to trade Jaroslav Halak. He’s talked with the Flyers and Islanders.

    “I would say now that all indications are that Jaro, Brian and Jake (Allen) will be the three games at camp,” Armstrong told the newspaper. “And that’s an interesting one.

    “When the season ended, and the emotion subsides….I talked to (head coach Ken Hitchcock) probably about this situation more than anything….where we would have been if we didn’t have one of these three guys last year? So if there’s something that’s a way to improve our team, we always look at doing that. But it’s a strength, for me, after a time of reflection.”

  • The Fourth Period: Teams are still talking to the Canucks about Alex Edler. Teams include the Red Wings, Lightning, Canadiens and Hurricanes. It’s not clear if anything is imminent.