On the Pittsburgh Penguins …
Jonathan Bombulie of the Pittsburgh Tribune Review: Would have to think that Penguins GM Jim Rutherford would like to add some depth to their blueline if the price is right.
Adding a depth defenseman, a number seven guy, for a mid-round draft pick shouldn’t be to complicated.
If the Penguins are wanting someone that would play higher up, it might be a little harder.
The Penguins don’t have a lot of salary cap space, and teams ask for a lot for a top-four defenseman. It doesn’t appear that the Penguins will make a big splash.
On the San Jose Sharks …
Curtis Pashelka of the San Jose Mercury News: The Sharks will have to decide over the next couple weeks if they want to trade for a backup goaltender before the trade deadline.
Last year at the deadline, GM Doug Wilson traded for pending UFA goaltender James Reimer. Reimer went 6-2 for the Sharks and gave Martin Jones some much needed rest.
Some goalies who could be available at the deadline include Ben Bishop, Ondrej Pavelec and Jaroslav Halak.
Aaron Dell is the Sharks current backup. The 27-year old has a 6-4 record, with a 2.05 GAA and .928 save percentage.
“I don’t know what else he can do to show that he’s an NHL-caliber goalie so far,” Sharks coach Pete DeBoer said of Dell. “Those are decisions that Doug makes. But in my mind, that’s not an issue right now for us.”
On Claude Julien, Boston Bruins and St. Louis Blues …
Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: Claude Julian will still be owed $3 million from the Bruins next season. Potential destinations for Julien that are currently open, or could open up, include the Vegas Golden Knights, Florida Panthers, New York Islanders, Dallas Stars and Vancouver Canucks.
The Boston Bruins were interested in St. Louis Blues defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk at the 2016 draft, but would like have cost their both of their first round picks and a roster player.
