NHL leading Predators land Franson, Santorelli from Maple Leafs
The Western Conference leading Nashville Predators acquired defenseman Cody Franson and forward Mike Santorelli from the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for Nashville’s first-round selection in the 2015 Draft, and forwards Brendan Leipsic and Olli Jokinen. Franson the top available defenseman on the market, gives Nashville another blueliner who can play in all situations, while Santorelli adds scoring depth to a well rounded group that lacks a superstar forward but is a balanced two-way group. Nashville leads the NHL with 82 points and jumped ahead of other contenders in the West who had been chasing Franson like the Anaheim Ducks. The Penguins had been in the mix for Franson but Pittsburgh’s focus has been more on Edmonton’s Jeff Petry and
Jagr’s agent Peter Svoboda informed Devils last week that Jagr prefers to be traded to an Eastern Conference team
Jaromir Jagr does not have a no trade clause but there is enough of a respect factor between the Devils and Jagr where New Jersey is expected to accommodate the wishes of Jagr and his agent Peter Svoboda for Jagr to be dealt to an Eastern Conference team, were the Devils to trade him. Svoboda met with Devils GM Lou Lamoriello last week and informed Lamoriello that Jagr wants to remain in the Eastern Conference.
Penguins continue to target Daniel Winnik to play on 3rd line with Sutter, Spaling
LEAFS EYE YOUNG NHL PLAYER WITH UPSIDE?
Source: Penguins brass in attendance last week came away with a high opinion of Oilers d-man Jeff Petry
PETRY, ZIDLICKY ON PENGUINS RADAR? Penguins GM Jim Rutherford and assistant general manager Bill Guerin were among the prominent front office members who traveled with the team on last week’s three game Western road trip and while the Penguins have been getting a read on the right handed d-man market over the last several weeks, one player left a strong impression on the Penguins brass.
Sabres land Evander Kane in a blockbuster deal
The Buffalo Sabres have landed Evander Kane in a blockbuster deal with the Winnipeg Jets. In the deal, Buffalo receives Kane, defenseman Zach Bogosian, and goalie Jason Kasdorf, while the Jets receive defenseman Tyler Myers, winger Drew Stafford, prospects Joel Armia (2011 1st round pick), Brendan Lemieux (2014 2nd round pick) and a 2015 first round pick (lowest of the Sabres 1st rounders). A true hockey trade that made sense for both sides. Although Myers is greatly overrated in hockey circles, the Jets did very well in getting immediate and long-term help for Kane, while Buffalo continues the tank for McDavid or Eichel, and get to put Kane in the lineup for the next several seasons.
NHL: Penguins made offers for Winnik, Tlusty prior to All-Star Break
WINNIK, TLUSTY AMONG DEADLINE/SUMMER TARGETS Prior to the All-Star break and acquiring Maxim Lapierre last night, Penguins GM Jim Rutherford made offers for Toronto Maple Leafs forward Daniel Winnik and Hurricanes winger Jiri Tlusty, sources tell Inside Pittsburgh Sports.
NHL’s Three Stars for Friday Night: Okposo, Neal, Miller
NHL Three Stars of the Night for Friday 1. Kyle Okposo, New York Islanders | 4 Goals, +3, 6 SOG, 18:15 | – Okposo netted his first career hat trick with a four goal night in a 6-3 win over the Penguins. Okposo’s big night included scoring 3 goals in the third period. Okposo scored the tying and go-ahead goals in the third vs the Penguins and iced the game, jamming home his 4th goal of the night on the power play with 2:31 remaining to push the Islanders lead to 5-3. Okposo scored three straight goals in the third for the Islanders. Okposo has 13 goals and 41 points on the seaso 2.James Neal, Nashville Predators | 2 Goals,
Latest NHL Buzz: Jordan Staal not looking to jump ship and force a trade to a contender
(Jordan Staal did a lot of winning as a player in Pittsburgh) LATEST NHL BUZZ When the Carolina Hurricanes acquired Jordan Staal, former Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford envisioned Carolina being a serious threat in the Eastern Conference with a 1-2 punch down middle in the Staal brothers. Things obviously haven’t panned out and Eric Staal’s dip in play is why that 1-2 punch will never be what the Hurricanes organization had hoped. Jordan Staal, though, remains a building block for new GM Ron Francis and sources close to Staal say he is fully committed to riding this thing out in Carolina and has no intentions of waiving his no movement clause in the near future, were Hurricanes management to approach
By the Numbers: Nine Legitimate Eastern Conference playoff contenders emerging for eight spots
As the National Hockey League has reached the halfway mark, the contenders and pretenders in the Eastern Conference are starting to emerge. 9 Playoff Contenders Pittsburgh Penguins (98%), New York Rangers (98%), Tampa Bay Lightning (98%), New York Islanders (96%), Montreal Canadiens (95%), Washington Capitals (94%), Detroit Red Wings (88%), Florida Panthers (45%) Boston Bruins (40%).
Penguins have made their interest known for Andrew Ladd & More Buzz
LATEST NHL CHATTER — The chances of Eric Staal being moved during the season is extremely small, rival executives with knowledge of the Hurricanes thinking say. New Hurricanes GM Ron Francis is committed to playing this season out and evaluate the future for Staal after the season. The Hurricanes want to see how this team performs fully healthy under head coach Bill Peters before making any moves that could alter the franchise. The Hurricanes, though, will continue to be a team that scouts will be flocking to watch. Jiri Tlusty is a hot name in scouting circles, a player several teams have their eye on but with Francis scouring the market for another scorer, Carolina doesn’t seem too inclined to