Penguins/NHL
Boston media wants Tkachuk: The Boston Bruins have been linked to St. Louis Blues forward Keith Tkachuk for about a month now and Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe suggests the Bruins need a lefty to play the goal-line position on the power play. Of the players available at the March 4 trade deadline, St. Louis power forward Keith Tkachuk would be the most instant upgrade according to Shinzawa. It’s believed there has been a lot of pressure from the media to acquire Tkachuk. Tkachuk has submitted a list of 6 teams he would accept a trade too. Boston is on it. Pittsburgh I’m told is likely not on it because of where they are in the standings. According to reports, The Bruins also remain in talks with the Edmonton Oilers about forward Eric Cole.
Islanders rebuilding through the draft: Garth Snow’s philosophy is building through the draft as the Islanders now own 10 picks in the draft, including five in the first two rounds. Newsday reports, Snow is seeking to accumulate more draft picks leading up to the trade deadline. The Islanders are actively shopping forward Bill Guerin and defenseman Brendan Witt. Prior to Doug Weight getting injured, the Islanders had a deal in place with a Western Conference team that would have netted the Islanders a 2nd round pick.
Lightning want 2nd round pick for Mark Recchi: Lightning forward Mark Recchi is expected to be dealt prior to the trade deadline. The Lightning are currently asking for a 2nd round pick which is a high asking price for a 41 year old winger. Recchi’s old team the Carolina Hurricanes are among a group of teams showing some kind of interest.
Canucks shopping Taylor Pyatt:  The Vancouver Canucks are actively shopping forward Taylor Pyatt. Pyatt has struggled this season (14 points in 51 games) but does have some value around the league.
Penguins scouting Phoenix?
The Pittsburgh Penguins and Phoenix Coyotes have made two trades within the past couple years. Could the two hook up again at the trade deadline? Pittsburgh scouted Phoenix for two of the Yotes games last week as Penguins scouts made a trip out West. The Coyotes are not moving Shane Doan so take him off of your wishlist but the Penguins are interested in a few players. Will have more on the Coyotes later in the day.
Tom Renney could be the next coach to go: Rangers head coach will likely be the next coach fired whether it during the season or after. The Rangers continue to plummet in the standings and it was speculated prior to their downfall that if Renney didn’t get the Rangers past the second round in the playoffs, ownership would consider a coaching change. I don’t expect Michel Therrien to be a serious contender for a potential vacancy in New York. The Rangers are likely to move to a more up-tempo style.
