Sportsnet 960: Elliotte Friedman is reporting the Colorado Avalanche had discussions with the Toronto Maple Leafs regarding a swap of Ryan O’Reilly for Jake Gardiner (with other parts) but they could never get it done. Friedman doesn’t know if the Avs will revisit their interest in Gardiner or if the Leafs will revisit the Avs prior interest in the blueliner. Maybe down the road a Gardiner (plus other prospects) for a Matt Duchene trade could happen?
The Fourth Period: Columbus Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen keeps getting calls about the availability of Ryan Johansen. The Blue Jackets desperately want to add a top 4 d-man and trading Johansen would get him that. While Johansen is likely not to be traded, Kekalainen has admitted to being engaged in multiple trade talks, but a move does not appear to be imminent.
“There was good conversation,” Kekalainen told the Columbus Dispatch. “It is so hard to make deals in the league right now, but I think you’re going to start to see some movement here soon.
Edmonton Journal: The Edmonton Oilers will soon have nine healthy defensemen, and with teams looking for defensemen, a trade could happen. Trade options for the Oilers could include Justin Schultz, Mark Fayne, Eric Gryba, Brandon Davidson and Nikita Nikitin.
