Morning Hits: Franson, Bogosian, Kuznetsov and Toews
  • Darren Dreger: Cody Franson trade speculation will heat up. The Maple Leafs would like to keep him, but the money may be too high. Would a prospect and draft pick be fair return? Howard Berger: Mentioned last month that Franson’s name has come up in trade talk.
  • David Pagnotta: Pagnotta doesn’t see Jets defenseman Zach Bogosian being in Winnipeg long-term. Other teams are interested, but a trade is not imminent. Pagnotta doesn’t see him staying in Winnipeg beyond his next contract. This is all just Pagnotta’s personal opinion. He wouldn’t be surprised if there was a trade at some point. There is no rush to move him, and the Jets will listen.
  • Igor Eronko: Capitals prospect Evgeni Kuznetsov on Ilya Kovalchuk to Sovsport.ru: ‘I think i’ll return to Russia from NHL when i’m 30’
  • Mark Lazerus: Blackhawks Jonathan Toews: “It’s a huge relief not to see half of your team traded away or sign with other teams in the offseason.”