Craig Custance of ESPN: Jets forward/defenseman Dustin Byfuglien has been receiving a lot criticism of late. Can a team win with Byfuglien as a major part of their core? Heading into yesterday he had three points in four games at forward under new coach Paul Maurice. Byfuglien prefers to play defense. He has two years left on his deal at $5.2 million per season. Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff has to look at the possibility of trading Byfuglien. One executive: “I think they have to,” he said. We may see more “hockey trades” this year compared to “rentals” due to so many teams close to the salary cap ceiling. Evander Kane would bring more back for the Jets, but they are still looking at the long-term picture and trading a 22-year old goal scorer doesn’t make sense. One fit for Byfuglien that was mentioned was the Bruins, who are looking for a top-four defenseman. The Jets may prefer to get roster players in a deal. If they are willing to trade for futures, it may make Byfuglien more attractive. He can submit a list of five teams that he won’t accept a trade too. One executive thinks he could bring the Jets a 1st round pick and an A-level prospect.
“In my time, he’s the best power forward I’ve seen,” Versteeg said. “On the flip side, he’s one of the biggest, mobile, best defenseman I’ve seen, too.”
Arthur Staple of Newsday: Thomas Vanek understands the Islanders situation of wanting to know in the next week or two if he’d re-sign with the team. He also knows that if he doesn’t have an answer for them, he could be dealt. Vanek did say that even if he’s dealt, he’d consider returning on July 1st.
“I know Garth gave up a lot to get me here, so if they feel they need to get something back (by the deadline), I understand,” Vanek told Newsday. “He’s been great, the team has been great. No one has put any pressure on me.
“I know that we’re getting close [to the deadline] and that they want to know what I’m going to do. It’s a big decision that obviously isn’t just about me, it’s a big decision for my family, where we’re going to be.”
There hasn’t been substantive talks between the two sides.
“Even if they traded me, sure,” Vanek said. “I like it here, it’s a good group of guys. This would be a place I’d consider if it gets to July 1.”
Sarah McLellan of the Arizona Republic: There are not a lot of options at the moment, but the Coyotes are looking for a forward
“I don’t want to trade a forward for another forward,” he said. “You’re always looking to upgrade, but we’re looking to add instead of give a forward to get a forward.”
Mike Wise of the Washington Post: Wise wonders if it’s time for the Capitals to trade defenseman Mike Green. They only have three players who are not under contract for next season. Green might be their only player that would bring them a good return, including a possible defensive defenseman. GM George McPhee is in the last year of his contract and may be looking to make a move to help save his job. Martin Erat still wants to be traded.
Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Senators scouting meetings ended yesterday, draft and trade deadline lists have been created. The Senators are able to rent a top a top-six forward, but there may not be a lot available. Only the Sabres and maybe the Panthers are out of the race in the East. In the West, the Oilers and Flames will be sellers.
“You’re going to have a lot of teams all going after the same players and that will make the asking prices high,” said a league executive Wednesday.
Trade options for the Senators: The Sens do have interest in Matt Moulson, with the asking price believed to be a 1st and a prospect. The Rangers would like to re-sign Ryan Callahan, but he may be available. The Sens have always liked Ales Hemsky’s game, but not his salary. Sabres Drew Stafford wouldn’t be a rental as he has a $4 million cap hit through next season. Tuomo Ruutu has been available all year, and the Blue Jackets could also be interested in him.
Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: The Blues recent struggles have led to more speculation whether they need to upgrade on Jaroslav Halak and Brian Elliott. Do they go with Jake Allenfrom within (16-10-2 with a 2.14 GAA) or the trade route?
“We know that we have very good players in the American Hockey League, whether it’s Allen or (Dmitrij) Jaskin and (Chris) Porter,” Armstrong said. “But I think right now, we’re going with this group. They’ve put themselves in a good position this year. We’re going through a downturn. I can’t act like it’s not happening. We’re not getting the results that are needed to be a successful team. But I don’t think every time you hit a bump in the road you want to reinvent the wheel.”
Blue GM Doug Armstrong said it’s on the team leaders to help turn them around and not by making changes.
“This now becomes on the fabric of the leadership to grab a hold of the team and get it going,” he said. “Ken can give them the game plan, but he can’t give them the desire and the drive. That has to come internally. The desire to compete for the guy beside you, that has to come from inside the room.”
Eric Engels: On TSN panel saying Oilers should trade Jordan Eberle: “Only player they should and can trade for great value is Nail Yakupov. Sam Gagner is another. You don’t touch RNH, Hall, Eberle” David Staples: (responding to Eberle) “Yeah, instead of getting rid of guys who aren’t performing, trade one guy (Eberle) who has for the last 4 years. Brilliant! Trade Gagner. Trade Hemsky. Petry or Yak even. Trade the 1st overall. But trade Eberle? Why? He’s a real two-way NHL player.
Leafs GM Dave Nonis via FAN590: ”I wouldn’t say that I would ever move either one of the goalies, but I don’t envision it right now”
Darren Dreger via TSN1050: ”I think it’s fair to say the Leafs were considered a serious trading partner for Del Zotto. Talks never got very heavy.” … ”Leafs had interest in Del Zotto & there was some Gardiner talk but the Rangers wanted Franson. Leafs scared by MDZ’s inconsistency”
Dan Murphy: The Canucks are looking to bring in Vinny Prospal on an AHL PTO. SportsNet Pacific: GM Mike Gillis: ”Based on our injury situation, and not sure what the future may hold it was an option worth looking at.” Aaron Portzline: On Prospal: “Can’t skate, but he never could. Knows where to stand. Passionate, smart player. Has a love/hate thing w Torts.”