On the Columbus Blue Jackets …
Aaron Portzline: Have been told that the Blue Jackets have increased their efforts to trade for a center. With Cam Atkinson signed to his contract extension, it gives them a better look at their future salary cap situation.
On the Toronto Maple Leafs …
Luke Fox of Sportsnet: There has been some speculation that the Maple Leafs will eventually trade a winger before the deadline. With the way pending UFAs James van Riemsdyk and Tyler Bozak have recently played, there is the increased feeling around the Maple Leafs that both will be with the team past the trade deadline in hope for a deep playoff run.
On the San Jose Sharks …
Paul Gackle of The Mercury News: The Sharks continue to search for a left winger to play with Joe Thornton and Joe Pavelski. They’ve been internally trying since last season. On Thursday coach Pete De Boer used four different wingers with the pair.
The Sharks could move Tomas Hertl up with Thornton and Pavelski, but that would then break up Logan Couture‘s line which has been the most consistent recently.
Acquiring a top-end player in a trade to play on one of their top lines isn’t an easy thing to do with the salary cap.
Two options that could be available before the trade deadline are Buffalo Sabres winger Evander Kane and Dallas Stars forward Jason Spezza. Both are not ideal fits for the Sharks though.
The Sharks put a lot of emphasis on character and Kane has had some baggage in the past. If the Sharks did consider Kane, it would likely cost them a young defenseman like Tim Heed or Joakim Ryan, a young forward, and a draft pick.
Spezza is 34-years old and carries a $7.5 million salary cap hit, with one-year left on his deal.
