On the Columbus Blue Jackets …
George Richards: Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen on the report of Jack Johnson‘s trade request: “It’s the same with him as anyone else on our team: We’ll make a trade if and when we have something that makes sense for the Blue Jackets.”
Pierre LeBrun: It’s not a sure thing that the Blue Jackets trade defenseman Jack Johnson, but if they do, would have to think that a trade would include a forward coming back. A draft pick does little to help out the Blue Jackets this season.
On the San Jose Sharks …
Paul Gackle of The Mercury News: Sharks GM Doug Wilson would likely prefer to get something for pending UFA goaltender Aaron Dell instead losing him for nothing in the offseason, but he can’t really afford to move him before the trade deadline.
Ideally, the Sharks would have been able to package Dell for a scoring winger or a fourth line center.
The Sharks need to acquire a fourth-line center.
Trading defenseman Paul Martin won’t be easy since he has another year left on his deal at $4.85 million. The Sharks would likely have to retain some salary. Martin is also coming off offseason ankle surgery.
Kevin Kurz of The Athletic: (mailbag) It makes sense that the Sharks would be interested in Sabres forward Evander Kane. He’s a pending UFA with a $5.25 million cap hit. Trading for him won’t be cheap – a first-round pick, prospect, and a conditional pick according to Pierre LeBrun. Can’t see Sharks being interested unless they could sign him long-term.
It’s too early to speculate if Joe Thornton will be back next season, and don’t think either the Sharks nor Thornton are thinking about it. thinks Thornton was closer to signing with the Maple Leafs than people think.
On the Vancouver Canucks …
Jason Botchford of the Vancouver Sun: The Canucks have had trouble scoring this season. They had hoped to get more offense from their blueline.
The Canucks been healthy scratching two defensemen each game, with Erik Gudbranson the most likely trade candidate.
