** Ian Cole traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets for a 2020 3rd round pick and prospect Nick Moutrey
On Ian Cole …
Pierre LeBrun: The Blue Jackets have showed some interested in Senators defenseman Ian Cole. wonders if a potential trade for Cole depends on if they move Jack Johnson.
Darren Dreger: Cole will likely be the first Senators traded today. The Winnipeg Jets are among the teams interested in Cole.
Howard Berger: Hearing talk that the Toronto Maple Leafs could be interested in Cole.
Dave Isaac: With all the interest in Cole, it wouldn’t be a surprise if the Philadelphia Flyers were outpriced quickly. GM Ron Hextall not interested in paying a lot for a rental.
Jason Mackey: The Pittsburgh Penguins could bring Ian Cole back, but it may not be a good option.
On the Ottawa Senators …
Darren Dreger: “Nothing materialized last night to advance likelihood of Karlsson getting traded. Market opens up in the summer. Remains a top story.”
Bruce Garrioch: If a Karlsson deal is going to happen today, someone will really need to step up. It’s not an easy trade for a contender to make. There would be a big market in the offseason.
Matt Larkin: “Summer market would be different too. Since Karlsson eligible to sign extension as of July 1, a negotiating team would want it to be a trade-and-sign I think. Whereas a trade for him today is more of a super-rental”
Chris Johnston: A team acquiring Karlsson will want to take a hard look at his medical info, which may mean a deal may need to be in place well before the 3:00 pm ET deadline.
Bruce Garrioch: There is lots of trade interest in forwards Zack Smith and Mike Hoffman.
On the Anaheim Ducks …
Renaud Lavoie: The Ducks made Antoine Vermette a healthy scratch last night … Interesting.
Lisa Dillman: Noting that Vermette has been a healthy scratch three times in February before his scratch last night.
John Shannon: Vermette has an eight-team trade list, with only two of those teams in the playoffs right now.
