Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch: Blue Jackets president Mike Priest “vehemently denied reports” that he had spoken with Ken Hitchcock about the possibility of returning to coach the team, or that he reached out to Craig Button about the GM position. Priest noted that any change would be spearheaded by owner John P. McConnell. Hitchcock and Button denied the report as well.
Pat Leonard of the NY Daily News: The Rangers are expected to place Sean Avery on re-entry waivers today according to reports. Last Thursday against the Leafs, fans were chanting his name. If he clears re-entry, he could be in the lineup on Thursday.
Tom Gulitti via twitter: Devils Martin Brodeur is still bothered by his sore shoulder, and he doesn’t think it will ever be 100%. It’s something that has bothered him for years, but he was able to play through it. Brodeur noted, “Even if I had it scoped (arthroscopic surgery) and they went in there and cleaned it up, it would be four months (recovery) after that.” Depending how practice goes the next couple days, he could be back in uniform on Wednesday at the earliest against the Maple Leafs.
Steve Conroy of the Boston Herald: The Bruins are off to a 3-7 start, and have scored 2 or less goals in 8 of their 10 games. GM Peter Chiarelli has been working the trade front, but it’s not known if he thinks now is the time to make a move. He, and the players think they can turn it around. Kevin Paul Dupont via twitter: Dupont hasn’t heard anything on the trade front.
George Richards Miami Herald: Jacob Markstrom may have taken the Panthers starting job away from Jose Theodore. “I was so happy to see Jacob get in there and do so well,’’ he said. “One of my jobs here is to help him and try to mentor him the best I can. I was really excited to see him do so well. It was great to see. He played great under some tough circumstances.’’
Aaron Portzline via twitter: Blue Jackets management and coaches will meet to today to decide the future of Ryan Johansen who played his 9th game last night.
