Notebook Buzz
The GM meetings will be held in Chicago on Thursday. Marian Gaborik will be at the forefront with the Montreal Canadiens, Vancouver Canucks, New York Rangers, expressing significant interest. While the Canadiens have been mentioned as the early front runner in the Gaborik sweepstakes, the Rangers are a team to keep an eye on. The Rangers have been exploring the trade market for center Chris Drury and are currently in the market for a elite top line winger. Marian Gaborik fits the bill and expect Glen Sather and Doug Risebrough to discuss a deal centered around Drury/roster player/drafts picks for Gaborik.
What else to look for
The Chicago Blackhawks remain the market for a second line center and a defenseman. Talks between the Blackhawks and Sharks are expected to heat up. The Hawks have expressed an interest in Sharks D Kyle McLaren
The Washington Capitals will continue to gauge trade interest in center Michael Nylander
Players such as Matt Stajan, Petr Prucha, Robbie Schremp Matt Pettinger, Ian White and Carlo Colaiacovo are being shopped. Pittsburgh is aggressively trying to shop Daryl Sydor who wants out
Carolina, NYI and Nashville have been in the market for upgrades upfront. Could see some movement from one of those teams
Florida has yet to entertain trade offers for defenseman Jay Bouwmeester. Many insiders don’t expect Panthers to begin listening to offers until after the All-Star break. The Panthers are in the market for a young center to build around. Florida is receiving a ton of calls about winger David Booth.
Nikolai Khabibulin’s name will come up quite often but don’t expect any movement from interested parties like the Senators and Avalanche.
