Rumors II: Blues, Jackets, Habs, Sens, Pens, Bruins and Caps
Jonathan Drouin

On the St. Louis Blues …

  • David Pagnotta: There is lots of talk around the Blues. The Lightning have been scouting the Blues lately. Assistant GM Pat Verbeek was at last night’s game. Both Verbeek and Yzerman were scouting the Blues earlier in the week.

On the Columbus Blue Jackets and Nashville Predators …

  • David Pagnotta: The Blue Jackets and Predators had talked about a bigger deal, but decided on just a Ryan Johansen for Seth Jones trade.

On the Montreal Canadiens …

  • David Pagnotta: The Canadiens showed interest in Ryan Johansen and are in on Jonathan Drouin, though hard to see the Lightning trading him within the division.
  • David Pagnotta: A few teams saying the Canadiens are fairly active. They are targeting Drouin, but a lot teams like him. The asking price is very high.
  • Brian Wilde: A strong source is saying that the Canadiens are aggressively pursuing Jonathan Drouin.

On the Ottawa Senators and Pittsburgh Penguins …

  • David Pagnotta: The Senators and Penguins are looking for a top-six forward. Yesterday’s moves may shake things up around the league.

On the Pittsburgh Penguins …

  • Darren Dreger: The Penguins are still looking to add another defenseman and forward.
  • Seth Rorabaugh: The Penguins are believed to have been interested in now Blackhawks forward Artemi Panarin this past offseason.

On the Boston Bruins …

  • Jimmy Murphy: The Bruins need to add a No. 2 or No. 3 defenseman. Zdeno Chara needs help and relief.

On the Washington Capitals …

  • J.J. Regan of CSN Mid Atlantic: Regan notes on Elliotte Friedman’s report that the Capitals would only be interested in Dustin Byfuglien if Brooks Orpik’s salary would remain off the books for the entire season. The Caps wouldn’t make this type of move anytime soon. Orpik is traveling with the team and they are expecting him to begin skating soon. So he is progressing, but if he regresses or has another injury that will keep him out of the lineup for the rest of the season, you can expect these rumors to pick up again.