- Darren Dreger of TSN: The Maple Leafs blueline continues to get interest. Jake Gardiner is not available. Teams are looking at Luke Schenn, but Burke won’t move him unless they get an offer he can’t refuse. Carl Gunnarsson, Cody Franson and Keith Aulie are getting interest. The Blackhawks, Red Wings, Devils, Oilers and Jets are looking for defenseman. The Oilers are looking for a roster player for Ales Hemsky, which is too steep for many given his struggles.
- John Shannon via twitter: Avalanche GM Greg Sherman knew that Lightning GM Steve Yzerman was going to flip Kyle Quincy to a Western Conference team, but didn’t know where.
- Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: The Stars have gotten calls on Steve Ott and Mike Ribeiro, and would consider moving them if the price is right. Ribeiro has a limited no trade clause, he selects 10 teams he won’t go to. Ribeiro has one more year left on his deal with a $5 million cap hit. Ott has 2 years left on his deal with a $2.95 million cap hit, but a salary of $3.2 million. GM Joe Nieuwendyk is looking at the big picture and is looking long-term. LeBrun notes that he could make a move or 2 that surprises people.
- Scott Burnside of ESPN: Ales Hemsky is available but comes with “a lack of durability and questionable work ethic.” He hasn’t scored in 16 games, so his asking price is modest now. It may take a small collection of mid-round picks and/or a prospect. Possible teams interested are: Rangers, Predators, Bruins, Kings and Red Wings.
- Helene St. James via twitter: Red Wings GM Ken Holland: Wings “are done on defense.”
- Rob Longley via twitter: Colby Armstrong was a healthy scratch last night again. You have to wonder what the rest of the season holds for him.
- Chris Botta via twitter: Evgeni Nabokov will get his $2-$3 million, but he needs to know if Rick DiPietro is still in the plans to get NHL starts while rehabbing.
- Dave Hilson of the Toronto Sun: Maple Leafs center Mikhail Grabovski hasn’t heard anything regarding contract talks between his agent and the Leafs. He’d like to stay in Toronto.
- Pat Leonard of the NY Daily News: Rangers forward Wojtek Wolski on is name in trade rumors:
“I know I’m supposed to be getting traded, I hear it all the time,” said Wolski, who becomes a restricted free agent after his two-year, $7.6 million expires at the end of the season. “I know I have a big contract. If they could trade me and free some space and get some value, I’m sure it’s possible. But I have no control over any of that.”
- Helene Elliott via twitter: Scouting the Kings-Coyotes: 2 Lightning, Blue Jackets, Blues, Hurricanes, Stars, Canucks, Avalanche and Rangers.
#1 by Jeff at February 22nd, 2012
How did “Sherlock” Greg Sherman not piece that together?
Hmm…Yzerman’s old team.
Hmm…Team that drafted Quincey and lost him and regretted it.
Hmm…Yzerman remains super tight with Holland and Co.
Hmmm…
#2 by Cobra Kai at February 22nd, 2012
HOLD THE PHONE
Let me get this straight. Evgeni Nabakov, coming of a season where his stats are exceptional (comparable to his best seasons w/SJS), into a market where this is NOT ONE SINGLE ELITE OR EVEN BETTER THAN AVERAGE GOALTENDER AVAILABLE — plans to sign a 1 year 2-3mm deal in NYI?
Say what?!
His agent should be able to get him at least, a 2 yr $9mm deal on the market. Maybe 3 years, even with his age. There are least five team looking for a goalie, who expect to make the playoffs next season.
#3 by Brent at February 22nd, 2012
Leafs should trade for Nabo… Grabo with Nabo… sounds good to me LOL
#4 by Johnny at February 22nd, 2012
Funny!