Flames players targeted for trades
It is pretty clear the Flames will not make the playoffs this year which will make them sellers prior to the trade deadline on 5 March 2014. According to the FourthPeriod.com, many players from the Flames roster will be targets as rental players prior to the deadline. Obviously, teams will be looking at pending unrestricted free agents such as: Michael Cammalleri, Lee Stempniak and Matt Stajan, and defenseman Kris Russell.
Teams who are seeking a top-six-forward are: Los Angeles Kings, Phoenix Coyotes, Detroit Red Wings, New York Rangers, Montreal Canadiens and Pittsburgh Penguins. Amongst them Cammalleri and Stempniak have a limited no-trade clauses which means they will have a say in where they end up.
In addition teams have inquired about Flames forward Curtis Glencross. Glencross who has a year left on his no-trade-clause contract would be a much higher price based on his contract status. So far this year Glencross has 12 points in 20 games played with a minus -3.
Markov and the Habs to start negotiations
Andrei Markov who’s been with the Canadiens since he was drafted in the sixth round in 1998 has begun talks with general manager Marc Bergevin and the Montreal Canadiens. Self represented since he fired manager Don Meehan, he communicated last week that his intention was to stay with the Canadiens. He hasn’t made clear the dollar figure or length of the contract he is seeking. It is believed he is seeking four years while the Habs are possibly looking at keeping him for another two years. Markov who has missed an entire season 2010-11
Mason signs an extension with the Flyers
The Flyers have inked no.1 goaltender Steve Mason for another three years at 12 million. For both this is a deal that made sense. The Flyers wanted to be cautious with Mason and give him three years. They have shown they are very happy with Mason’s performance since acquiring him. The mason clan was seeking a four year deal but at four million, the deal of three years made sense and if his performance improve or remain solid, he could seek a bigger deal when the cap at that time will be much higher.
San Jose close to sign Marleau and Thornton
According to TSN NHL Insider, the San Jose Sharks will need to make a decision on two of their upcoming unrestricted free agents Patrick Marleau and center Joe Thornton. Lebrun declared that the two player’s agents have commenced negotiations with Sharks management. It is not known what the expected salary and length of the contract will be the Sharks are intent on keeping the two veterans. Lebrun stated on RDS last night that a deal could be struck with the Marleau and Thornton within 4 to 6 weeks.
