- Darren Dreger via twitter: The Wild haven’t asked Marek Zidlicky to waive his no-trade clause yet for New Jersey. He may not be traded until the summer says one source. Michael Russo via twitter: Wild GM Chuck Fletcher: “I haven’t made the decision to trade him for now for sure. … Different scenarios I’m contemplating”
- Eric Erlendsson via twitter: A goalie and defense won’t help the Lightning get into the playoffs this year. They will be sellers and look to fill those positions in the summer.
- Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News: The Flyers have made it no secret that they are looking a defenseman, but who isn’t. Holmgren will be cautious with rentals.
“I don’t think that means we’re not looking around to try to improve ourselves,” Holmgren said. “I think you weigh what the cost is. I don’t really have any trouble making a deal that makes sense now and for the future. With those rental deals, you have to weigh the costs and make a call.
“If we have opportunities to improve our hockey club, we’ll need to think seriously about that. Everyone is trying to load up.”
- Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun: Maple Leafs prospect Joe Colborne doens’t want to be trade-bait.
- Michael Russo of the Star Tribune: The Wild have held preliminary talks with pending UFA Kyle Brodziak. The Wild are also interested in extending defenseman Clayton Stoner. If the Wild become sellers, they may look to deal Greg Zanon, Mike Lundin and Josh Harding.
- Pierre LeBrun via twitter: You can take Ryan Smyth off the trade market. The Red Wings, Bruins and Rangers were interested. LeBrun says you can offically take Tuomo Ruutu’s name off the trade market. Rutherford wants to re-sign him, and now he’ll be out for 3-4 weeks. A Hurricanes source said last night that Ruutu wouldn’t be going anywhere. Contract extension talks continue.
- George Johnson of the Calgary Herald: The Flames could use a #1 center like Jeff Carter, but Johnson doesn’t think there a fit. They could use a playmaking center instead of shooting center. Carter deal also expires when he’s 37, with a yearly cap hit of $5.27 million.
- Bill Watters via twitter: The Blue Jackets – Maple Leafs rumor mentioned a while ago (Watters mentioned Nash to Leafs) appears to be the Blue Jackets request and not a Maple Leafs offer.
