Hotstove and NHL Sources Say videos … DiPietro and Leclaire hurt, there’s a shocker … Staal still hasn’t received clearance
  • Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: Simmons thinks that Darryl Sutter didn’t  make a mistake in trading Dion Phaneuf, mistake was not shopping him around or getting 1 decent player in return. Simmons asks a couple good questions about the Leafs power play; “Why does Phil Kessel play so high? With his quick hands, shouldn’t he be down low camped out on one side of the net?” (My answer would be coaching, they are the one’s who design the systems)
  • Tom Gulitti via twitter: John MacLean hasn’t received any assurance about his coaching job from Lou Lamoriello in the last couple weeks.
  • The Globe and Mail: Penguins center Jordan Staal’s return is still up in the air as he has yet to receive clearance to begin practicing.
  • The Globe and Mail: Islanders goalie Rick DiPietro is out again with swelling in his left knee, but appears to only be minor.
  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: The Christmas roster freeze is in effect tonight at midnight. The Senators are interested in trading for Canucks defenseman Kevin Bieksa but he isn’t available yet.
  • Hockey Night in Canada Hotstove
  • NHL Sources Say – Donald Fehr’s new role with the NHLPA as well as Pascal Leclaire’s future with the Senators.