Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: If Ryan Miller isn’t willing to sign a contract extension with the Sabres, and it’s thought that that conversation will take place, the new GM will hold an auction for his services. Pat LaFontaine wants to have new GM by Christmas. Belief is that Miller wants to go to a Western Conference team, and the Kings may have interest. Jonathan Quick is out for at least a month, and Ben Scrivens isn’t the long-term solution. GM Dean Lombardi will deny it, but he’s been looking around. The Blues could also be a destination.
The Rangers are trying to free up some salary cap space. The Senators, Hurricanes, Oilers and Sharks have interest in Michael Del Zotto, but the Rangers want a defenseman in return.
It’s thought that Henrik Lundqvist wants an eight-year deal worth $8-$9 million a year. The Rangers also have UFAs Ryan Callahan, Dan Girardi and Anton Stralman, and RFA Derrick Brassard, who could get $4 million if he goes to arbitration.
Blue Jackets coach Todd Richards could be on the hotseat, same goes for Jets Claude Noel. Islanders Jack Capuano could be in trouble as well.
The Sharks have been shopping Martin Havlat and his $6 million salary. There has been mild interest from the Panthers and Rangers.
The Blackhawks had looked at Rene Bourque before making the Kris Versteeg trade.
Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin wants to do something big.
The Panthers would like to move Scottie Upshall, Tomas Fleischmann, Brad Boyes, Tomas Kopecky, Marcel Goc and Shawn Mattias before the trade deadline. There is lots of interest in Dmitry Kulikov, but he may bolt for the KHL.
Flames Mikael Backlund and Shane O’Brien are available.
Oilers GM Craig MacTavish is looking for defenseman to replace Ladislav Smid. “They want to do something but they overrate their players which means the prices are high,” said a league executive.
The Oilers should be able to get a top pick for Ales Hemsky.
Arthur Staple: Islanders Thomas Hickey will be evaluated today, and if it’s deemed he’ll be out long-term, they may have to look at making a trade.
Seth Rorabaugh: Rorabaugh thinks the Penguins could use a tougher third-line player, but remembers that they were swept by the Bruins when they had Iginla, Morrow and Murray.
Andrew Gross: Team USA GM David Poile will continue to scout Rangers Chris Kreider, though he’s still a longshot at this point.
Hockey Night in Canada: Panel talking about the Winter Classic and Board of Governors. The Maple Leafs have begun talks with Jay McClement and Dave Bolland. If Dion Phaneuf get the term he wants, he may have to take a little less money. Reports of the Flames talking to teams regarding Mikael Backlund appear to be true. The Flames will likely adopt Brian Burke’s early Christmas roster freeze. Friedman thinks the Senators and Rangers have talked about Michael Del Zotto, but doesn’t think talks may be going anywhere. Doesn’t think Ales Hemsky to the Senators works because of his money. Leafs assistant GM Claude Loiselle watched the Hurricanes this week, maybe Tim Gleason. A John-Michael Liles for Tim Gleason deal may not work, may have to add another piece.