- Josh Cooper of the Tennessean: Predators Shea Weber was fined $2500 by the NHL for his boarding hit on the Canucks Jannik Hansen.
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Garrioch wonders if the Senators will trade Daniel Alfredsson before the trade deadline. Alfie has a $1 million salary but a $4.875 million cap hit. He signed a 35+ deal, so if he decides to retire, his cap hit would stay on the books. Alfredsson has a no-movement clause.
- Dan Tencer via twitter: Oilers coach Tom Renny hints that Ryan Nugent-Hopkins could sit tonight for Sam Gagner. He added that team may need to see what it’s like without RNH. Jim Matheson via twitter: Matheson is baffled by the suggestion of sitting RNH. The Oilers didn’t sit Taylor Hall when he didn’t score for the first 8 games. RNH has 4 goals so far.
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: There is “nothing new” when it comes Mark Staal and his concussion. Ryan McDonagh, Michael Del Zotto and Tim Erixon have stepped up there minutes, but are still learning the game. The Rangers may seriously look at adding a top 4 defenseman. The obvious place to look is Nashville with soon-to-be UFA Ryan Suter and RFA Shea Weber. The Preds would obviously ask about Del Zotto, Artem Anisimov, Brandon Dubinsky, Chris Kreider and Dylan McIlrath. Assuming that Erixon and Ryan Callahan are off limits.
- Craig Custance of ESPN: (Mailbag) The easiest way for the Devils to keep Zach Parise for the season is to be in the playoff race all season. If they were to consider moving him, it may take 2 NHL caliber players, a prospect and 1st round pick, same as what the Thrashers got for Kovalchuk. If the Flames don’t improve soon, Custance thinks they should make some moves to re-stock their system.
- Rich Chere of the Star-Ledger: Devils center Jacob Josefson suffered a broken right clavicle last night after crashing into the boads. The Devils are already without Travis Zajac until Christmas. Adam Henrique could be recalled, or Lou Lamoriello could make a trade for a center.
- Michael Russo of the Star Tribune: Wild center Mikko Koivu was cut on the chin by a skate on Thursday, is questionable for tonight’s game against the Canucks.
- Tim Campbell of the Winnipeg Free Press: Jets forward Andrew Ladd took a puck in the face that required 3 stitches above his nose, and 3 in it. It’s not known if he’ll be in the lineup tonight. Defenseman Ron Hainsey is likely out a week with a upper-body injury.
- The Fourth Period: Scott Hartnell is disappointed that his ice time has reduced. He’s aware of the trade rumors involving him. He has a no-trade clause.
- Darren Dreger via twitter: JP Dumont has a deal with Bern of the Swiss League. NHL teams have until Tuesday to sign him.
- Rich Chere via twitter: Johan Hedberg likely to start in net for the Devils against the Penguins.
- Jason Botchford of the Vancouver Province: Cory Schneider will get his 3rd start of the season tonight.