Mark Everson of the NY Post: The New Jersey Devils are on a roll, but still might look to add to their roster by the trade deadline. Saku Koivu and/or Scott Neidermayer could be possibilities.
John Mackinnon of the Edmonton Journal: Oilers fans may have to wait until closer to the trade deadline day to see some changes to the roster. “Unless you’re getting close to the (March 3 NHL trading) deadline, where people actually want to make deals — there’s the odd one that takes place — but normally things don’t change a lot,” Tambellini said in a telephone interview from Saskatoon where he is attending the world junior hockey championship.
Pat Hickey of the Montreal Gazette: Montreal Canadiens GM Bob Gainey hopes to be able to re-sign Tomas Plekanec, but that could be easier said than do. The Canadiens already have $45 million in salaries for next season and the Plekanec has been rumored to be looking for around $7 million a season. Plekanec is making $2.75 million this season.
Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: Boston Bruins center Patrice Bergeron will miss at least 2 weeks with a broken right thumb after taking a shot off of his hand Monday night. He’ll be back in plenty of time to take part in the Olympics for Team Canada.
Chris Botta of NYI Point Black: It looks like Rick DiPietro will be between the pipes for the New York Islanders at some point during their 3 game road trip to Colorado, Dallas and Phoenix.
Robert Tychkowski of Slam! Sports: Things aren’t looking good for Nikolai Khabibulin and his disc problem, and it’s looking more like he’s done for the season.
Frank Seravalli of teh Philadelphia News: Philadelphia Flyers defenceman, Ryan Parent, who has not skated for 11 days with a lower body injury/back injury. GM Paul Holgren said he’s to start skating in a few days, with a return about 2 weeks away. But now it’s being reported that Parent has a herniated disc, and saw a second doctor yesterday. That doesn’t sound like good news if you are to begin skating a couple days.
Chris McCosky of the Detroit News: Johan Franzan is back on skates, but is still not close to returning to the Red Wings lineup. Franzan tore his ACL back on Oct. 8th, and isn’t expected back for another 2 months. Jason Williams isn’t expected back until the end of the month at the earliest. Henrik Zetterberg and Danny Cleary are hopeful of returning Thursday night.
Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer: Another injury for the Carolina Hurricanes to deal with, as Scott Walker will be out 4 to 6 weeks after shoulder surgery. WIth Sergei Samsonov also sidelined, the ‘Canes recalled Zach Boychuk and Jiri Tlusty.
