Scouting Friday night’s San Antoinio Rampage (COL) – Texas Stars (DAL) game …
- Nathan Mallet: Scouting the game: Blues, Lightning, Devils, Panthers, Blue Jackets, Rangers, Maple Leafs and Kings.
Scouting Friday night’s Ontario Reign (LA) and San Jose Barracuda (SJ) game …
- John Hoven: Five teams sending scouts: Rangers, Canadiens, Penguins, Flyers and Oilers.
Scouting the Washington Capitals …
- Chuck Gormley of CSN Mid Atlantic: (mailbag) Teams that have scouted the Capitals in their two games since the All-Star break: Arizona Coyotes, Dallas Stars, Minnesota Wild, Calgary Flames, Columbus Blue Jackets (twice), Detroit Red Wings, Minnesota Wild, Nashville Predators and Philadelphia Flyers (twice).
- The Capitals showcased Stanislav Galiev on the first line on Tuesday, but it didn’t last long. He has another year left on his contract, which becomes a one-way deal at $575,000. He’s only recorded two assists in 14 games this season. That likely won’t draw a lot of interest, and he may not bring back much of a return. Galiev could be added to a package to bring in a bigger return.
- Gormley thinks the Capitals need to add one more veteran defenseman to help put them over the top. Dan Hamhuis could be a good fit.
- The Capitals have 49 players under contract.
On the Nashville Predators …
- Adam Vingan of the Tennessean: The Predators have been looking internally for a left winger to play with Ryan Johansen and James Neal. They’ve tried five wingers in the 12 games since acquiring Johansen. The Predators may look to trade for a winger before the deadline. Another option could be Jimmy Vesey, but he would need to sign a contract, and his season may not end until April. There is still the uncertainty surrounding them being able to sign him at all.
On the Toronto Maple Leafs …
- Joe McDonald of ESPN: Maple Leafs GM Lou Lamoriello on his plan leading up to the trade deadline.
“I’ll use the expression I’ve used for years: When time is on your side, you use it. We still have a period of time and no decisions are made, and it’s obvious because nothing has happened. At the right time, whatever is going to be best for the Toronto Maple Leafs is going to be what the decision is.”