- Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The Bruins haven’t been able to find a Johnny Boychuk replacement since they traded him at the start of the season.Has Milan Lucic’s physical game caught up to him? Would the Bruins consider trading him for a young defenseman and winger? He’ll be a UFA at the end of next season and will make $6.5 million.
The Kings have talked to the Oilers, likely about Jeff Petry. The real talk should happen in the summer with the Oilers looking at Martin Jones. The Oilers may have to take on a contract from the cash strapped Kings as well.
The Blue Jackets are getting calls on pending RFAs Cam Atkinson and Matt Calvert. They might get some calls on defenseman James Wisniewski – would have to take back some salary.
Zbynek Michalek may make sense for the Rangers as a third pairing partner for Dan Boyle. Another option for the Rangers could be pending Sharks UFA Scott Hannan.
Some think the Penguins will keep either Paul Martin or Christian Ehrhoff. Both are pending UFAs. Scott Harrington or Brian Dumoulin could replace the one who leaves. They could be looking for a third pairing for this season as they are not overly high on Robert Bortuzzo at the moment.
- Wayne Scanlan of the Ottawa Citizen: Senators GM Bryan Murray isn’t expecting to be busy at the trade deadline.
“I’ve talked to a number of teams about different things, but there’s nothing that anybody’s really asking about in a definite manner,” Murray said.
“Around the league, there are a number of injuries – and defencemen in particular hurting, that there might be a call or two made. But nothing is happening at this point.”
The Senators have eight defensemen, including injured Chris Phillips. Chris Neil is out at least a month after surgery on his thumb this week – he isn’t expected to be traded, though teams are calling. Pending UFA Erik Condra could be moved.
