On the Dallas Stars …
Matt Larkin: Spoke with Dallas Stars GM Jim Nill yesterday who that he’s not actively looking at trades. He likes the depth they have. He wouldn’t rule out making a trade but isn’t looking to make a big move. That could change if they suffer an injury.
On the Detroit Red Wings and Vancouver Canucks …
Rick Dhaliwal: Not a surprise that didn’t get a text response from Red Wings GM Ken Holland about the Canucks GM rumors. The speculation may not go away until there is some clarity on current GM Jim Benning‘s future.
On the Vancouver Canucks …
TSN Radio Vancouver: Jason Botchford on the Canucks blue line: “It’s a crisis on their blueline. It’s not good enough, and they don’t have the guys coming that are good enough. It has to be prioritized in the 2018 draft. I understand it should be draft the best guy, but if you don’t have a defense, you don’t have anything.”
On the Winnipeg Jets …
Ken Wiebe of the Winnipeg Sun: The Jets won’t be sellers this season as they are atop the Central Division. They could be looking to add a piece or two before the deadline.
The Jets lack playoff experience. The Jets haven’t been a player in the rental market in the past, and doesn’t expect that to change much. That could change if they are concerned about goaltender Steve Mason‘s health for the rest of the season. Mason has been dealing with a concussion.
The Jets could look to add a scoring winger or center.
Could Ottawa Senators Derick Brassard be an option? He has a year left on his deal at a $5 million cap hit, with a $3.5 million salary.
They could look to bring in a veteran defenseman with Toby Enstrom set for free agency at the end of the season.
The Jets have the cap space to add, some prospects that will interest teams, and they could consider moving their first-round pick which could be at the bottom of the round.
