Tim Sassone of the Daily Herald: Sassone looks at what the Hawks might do at the trade deadline. Do they add defensive depth, or risk messing with team chemistry and make a deal or two to help with their cap issue for next year, or do they go for it and go after a top rental player such Scott Niedermayer.
Kevin McGran of the Toronto Star: Brian Burke throws caution when it comes to making trades at the deadline, we say ‘the hell with it, trade away’. “”We (league GMs) make our mistakes as a group more on the trade deadline than we do the rest of the year,” said Leafs GM Brian Burke. “That’s historical and I don’t think it will change. The pressure (to win) doesn’t change. It’s unrelenting, unremitting. “Therefore, the temptation to add to your team or take from your team at the deadline, regardless of the price, is always there.””
Chuck C of the Calgary Herald: After being spanked 9-1, and the with the continued offensive struggles, changes could be coming soon for the Calgary Flames.
Darren Greger of TSN.ca: Big changes are coming in Oil Country. Ethan Moreau, Robert Nilsson, Fernando Pisani, Sheldon Souray and Steve Staios have been mentioned weeks, but could be tough to move. Andrew Cogliano could also be on the on the move, but he could be the type of player to comeback and haunt the Oilers, as he is still young and has the ability to be a #2 center.
Eric Stephens of the OC Register: Jonas Hiller has solidified himself as the number 1 goalie in Anaheim at the moment, and now will be looking to be paid like it, as well as being reassured that he is the number 1. Problem for the Ducks is that JS Giguere is still under contract for next season at $7 million. “I don’t want to just sign until I know that it’s possible that I’m a No. 1 goalie, if it’s here or if it’s somewhere else,” Hiller said.
Erik Erlendsson of the Tampa Tribune: The Tampa Bay Lightning are expecting Paul Ranger to return to the club soon. Rangers has missed the last 3 months due to personal reasons.
