Mark Zwolinski of the Toronto Star: The Leafs and Blackhawks’ will be tied to trade rumors, especially since ‘Hawks assistant GM Kevin Cheveldayoff was at the Leaf-Caps game on Saturday. Brent Sopel was mentioned as possibly heading to the Leafs during HNIC ‘Hotstove’. With the supposed ability to take on contracts (this could only happen if the Leafs demote or trade other contracts), the names Patrick Sharp, Kris Versteeg, Dustin Byfuglien, and Cam Barker, have/will come up, but I don’t see it happening. I’m sure Leaf fans would love to see Blake ($4 million) and Stempniak ($3.5 million) playing elsewhere.
Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun: GM Brian Burke is working the phones in an attempt to recover some top drafts picks for this year and/or next. Burke once again states that he hasn’t asked, and will not ask Tomas Kaberle to waive his no trade.
Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: After taking a knee-on-knee hit from George Laraque, Niklas Kronwall will be out of the Red Wings lineup from 4 to 8 weeks with a sprained medial collateral ligament.
Stephen Harris of the Boston Herald: Marc Savard will be returning to the Boston Bruins lineup for tonight’s game against the St. Louis Blues.
Steve Zipay of the Newsday: Chris Drury practiced yesterday and could return to the Rangers lineup later this week.
