from Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal,

- Detroit Red Wings head coach Mike Babcock, who always bemoans the fact his club has no right-shooting defencemen, was probably watching Jeff Petry with a keen eye in Detroit’s win Tuesday.

And Petry, who is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1 and who was born in Ann Arbor, Mich, had a strong game, spilling Tomas Jurco into the Wings’ bench with one wallop.

If I’m the Oilers and unlikely to resign Petry, I’m all over acquiring Detroit’s farm team offensive defenceman Ryan Sproul, who has a bomb for a shot, in return.

If the Wings were to talk to Petry about signing there, the Oilers could maybe get someone like Jurco, too. ...

- Dustin Byfuglien has been phenomenal on the Winnipeg Jets blue-line since moving back from right wing with the team’s run of injuries to Jake Trouba, Toby Enstrom, Zach Bogosian and Mark Stuart. “He is the most unique player in the league,” said one NHL pro scout. “I don’t know what he weighs, 250 pounds? But he can move.” Paul Maurice had Big Buff up front because his mind wandered as a defender, but he’s been snarly and very responsible for weeks now.

- The Colorado Avalanche continue to sniff around for a high-end defenceman in exchange for forward Ryan O’Reilly. If I’m the Arizona Coyotes, I’m all over that and sending Keith Yandle to Denver, although Yandle’s defensive game isn’t anywhere near as strong as his puck-moving and power play work.

more