- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: LeBrun would like to see what the Blue Jackets can do when Jeff Carter returns, and adds that Steve Mason won’t be the starting goalie next season. Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford is working the phones trying to find a deal to help out his struggling team. Lightning GM Steve Yzerman is looking to add a top 4 type defenseman. Blues GM Doug Armstrong won’t hesitate to make a trade or two if Hitchcock can’t lead them to a quick turnaround.
- Craig Custance of ESPN: Panthers backup goalie Scott Clemmensen is in the final year of his deal and making $1.2 million. The Panthers may look to move to clear room for rookie Jacob Markstrom.
“You never know,” Tallon said. “There are things that can come into play moving forward. We’ll see what happens. I think we have good depth in our organization in goaltending. I’d rather err on the side of caution.”
If a team wanted to part with considerable assets, they may be able to pry Cory Schneider out of Vancouver or Jonathan Bernier out of LA. Evgeni Nabokov is being showcased by the Islanders. Nabokov is only earning $570,000 which may interest the Blue Jackets. Chris Botta is saying the asking price for Nabokov is a 2nd round pick, which may be a bit steep. Wild’s Josh Harding could be an option for some teams, but the Wild may not be actively looking to deal. He makes $750,000 and will be a UFA at the end of the season.
- Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: Despite being 7-7-1, the Avalanche have been struggling and “things are going to get serious” if it continues. Pressure is starting to mount on coach Joe Sacco and GM Greg Sherman. There have been ‘whisperings’ around the league about their job status. Dater wonders if Sacco is juggling lines too much? Puts guys in the doghouse too fast? Lose confidence in guys to fast?
- Larry Brooks of the NY Post: The NY Rangers acquired 23 year old winger Francois Bouchard from the Capitals for 21 year defenseman Tomas Kundratek. Both will remain in the AHL. Anton Stralman has been medically cleared and will join team his teammates for practice today.
