- Ansar Khan of MLive: A source confirms that a deal has been finalized with the NHL, Red Wings, and Maple Leafs to hold the 2013 Winter Classic at Michigan Stadium. A rink will also be built at Comerica Park and will host events leading up to the Winter Classic on January 1st. Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: Earlier this week University of Michigan Athletic Director said there could be scheduling conflicts and other issues, such as liquor licenses.
- Ansar Khan of MLive: The Red Wings are having 3 days of pro and amateur scouting meeting this week. They’ll be evaluating potential trade targets and this summers free agent crop. The Red Wings are looking for a scoring winger and or a 3rd/4th line forward. The Wings have $5.7 million in cap space and will likely be offering up draft picks, middling prospects and/or fringe players. They will likely just be adding depth and not a star player.
“We like the way the team has performed. A lot of people have had good first halves,” Holland said. “But the trade deadline is coming. We have a lot of cap space. We’ve done a lot of drafting and developing since 2005, saving our picks. I don’t know if we have to do anything, but certainly in the next six weeks we’re going to explore.”
The Wings are believed to have interest in Tuomo Ruutu and Ales Hemsky. If Teemu Selanne decides to waive his no-trade clause, the Wings could be interested. Ryan Suter and Zach Parise could become available, but the Red Wings may opt to chase them in the summer.
- Michael Traikos of the National Post: Potential trade targets for the Maple Leafs: James van Riemsdyk, Bobby Ryan or Ryan Getzlaf, Ryan Malone, Derick Brassard, Paul Stastny, and Jeff Carter.
- Joanne Ireland of the Edmonton Journal: Oilers forward Taylor Hall was held out of last night’s game after a pre-game mishap where his head took a nasty gash from the skate of defenseman Corey Potter.
- Katie Carrera of the Washington Post: Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom has been off skates for the past 11 days due to his concussion. GM George McPhee said, “Nick’s doing really well. I’m I guess happy to report he’s progressing.”
- Todd Cordell via twitter: Petr Sykora is unsure if he’ll return next year, he’s taking it one year at a time according to his agent Allan Walsh.
- Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News: Flyers forward Zac Rinaldo missed last night’s game with an upper-body injury. He left Monday’s practice after taking a blow to the head.