Morning Rumors: Ducks, Senators, Sabres, Leafs, Flyers, Stars, Sharks and Oilers
  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Teams are calling the Ducks to see if they’d move either Jonas Hiller or Viktor Fasth. The Hurricanes (written before DiPietro signed tryout), Predators, Oilers, Panthers and Islanders could be looking for a goalie. “His best bet is to wait for the deadline because you find out pretty quickly it’s hard to get value for a goalie,” said a league executive Saturday. “Historically it just always has been.”

    Could Rangers GM Glen Sather be on the hot seat? Talk that the Rangers are looking for a puck moving defenseman.

    Senators Zack Smith is getting some interest. Some in the organization think he’s part of the solution. The Senators are hoping someone would take Jim O’Brien and his one-way contract.

    NHL VP Colin Campbell could be a candidate if Sabres GM Darcy Regier is fired. Canadiens assistant GM Rick Dudley could be the top candidate.

    The Maple Leafs and Canucks would be interested in Avs Paul Stastny if he became available.

    Devils GM Lou Lamoriello emailed teams offering up a “veteran defenseman.” Marek Zidlicky, Anton Volchenkov, Peter Harrold and Andy Greene would qualify as veterans.

    Teams have shown interest in Flyers Jakub Voracek and Wayne Simmonds, but they are unlikely to be traded.

    The Flyers would love to move Andrej Meszaros and Nicklas Grossman.

    The Stars would be willing to trade Alex Goligoski. He has three years at $4.6 million per season left on his deal.

  • John Vogl of the Buffalo News: Vogl thinks the Sabres have missed their best chance to trade goalie Ryan Miller. There have only been 23 goaltending trades since 2005-06, with only 12 happening during the season. Return on deals in-season were less lucrative. Fans hoping for a 1st round pick or a star player in return are likely dreaming too big. Only five trades landed a 1st round pick. Likely return could be a 2nd round pick. Only way for the Sabres to get a big return for Miller may be if a team loses their goalie to injury or if they are desperate for a playoff run.
  • Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: Sharks Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau were longshots for Team Canada, but not anymore. Same goes for Matt Duchene.

    One-time argument between Tie Domi and John Ferguson. Ferguson: “You’re trying to get me fired.” Domi: “No John, I think you’re doing a pretty good job of that yourself.”

  • David Pagnotta: If the Oilers were able trade for a top-two defenseman, they would. Looking to improve their overall team defense.