Anaheim Ducks general manager Brian Burke has not had as easy of a time moving defenseman Mathieu Schneider as he thought would. Burke continues to have discussions with up to 5 teams but as of last night a deal was not close. There has been growing speculation that Burke will have to take a salary he doesn’t want or include a high draft pick. The idea of the Ducks moving 2005 #2 overall pick Bobby Ryan has sparked interest from the New York Islanders and Phoenix Coyotes. The same can be said with the LA Kings who have not been given the Ok from ownership to add Schneider’s salary. So which three teams are in the strongest pursuit of Schneider? Plus are the Devils looking to move a forward to clear cap space?
The New Jersey Devils, New York Islanders and LA Kings are currently showing the most interest with Vancouver and Phoenix expected to make a pitch for Schneider. With Erik Johnson out it remains to be seen whether the Blues are going to join the sweepstakes. The idea of acquiring Bobby Ryan could further interest from the Blues. The Devils are currently trying to move a forward to clear enough space and have been in talks with the Vancouver Canucks and Nashville Predators according to a source. The Senators have been interested but haven’t found a way for the numbers to work.
