NHL Rumors: Wings, Stars, Panthers, Pens, Flames, Avs, Ducks and Kovalchuk
Andreas Athanasiou and Thomas Vanek of the Detroit Red Wings
On the Detroit Red Wings, Dallas Stars, Florida Panthers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Calgary Flames, Colorado Avalanche, Anaheim Ducks, Ilya Kovalchuk and Alexander Kerfoot …

Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet: heard that some teams called the Detroit Red Wings about Andreas Athanasiou. Wings GM Ken Holland wouldn’t say much, but another team indicated to not bother unless there is “a 22-year old top-pair defenceman” involved in the talks.

Teams are being told that if they want to talk about any of the Red Wings younger offensive players, they must be willing to talk about their young players.

Thomas Vanek will likely be traded, but could be re-signed in the offseason.

The Red Wings will speak with Brendan Smith’s camp about re-signing before the deadline.

doesn’t think the Red Wings will trade Mike Green, who has a year left on his deal. They need defensemen.

Thought Patrick Eaves would re-sign in Dallas, but there have been no contract talks. He’ll be traded, but it doesn’t mean he won’t re-sign in the summer.

If healthy in time, teams could be interested in Stars defenseman Johnny Oduya.

The Florida Panthers were reportedly interested in Winnipeg Jets forward Mathieu Perreault earlier this season. His contract (three years left) makes it difficult.

Some teams may have contacted the Panthers about Alex Petrovic, but they aren’t interested in doing that.

The Penguins may have been interested in Michael Stone before he was traded to Calgary, but they may have needed more time for salary cap reason.

Calgary Flames GM Brad Treliving is looking for wingers, and even though he won’t say anything, have to think they are looking for a goaltender.

There are a couple teams who are interested in Matt Duchene and/or Gabriel Landeskog that think if they are able to make the trade, they may not be able to still compete for the Cup.

The Anaheim Ducks have enough on the assets to be an exception to the above note. Duck GM Bob Murray has said though that he may not make a decision on their blueline until after the season.

Colorado Avalanche forward Mikhail Grigorenko is a pending RFA and the Avs wouldn’t mind moving him.

Ilya Kovalchuk will be KHL free agent after the season. He’s not 35-years old, so he’d have to apply to the KHL for re-instatement.

Alexander Kerfoot was drafted by the Devils in the 2012 draft, could become a free agent if he doesn’t sign by August. He’s from Vancouver and have to think they could be interested.