from Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe,

- The Bruins have a good trade chip in Malcolm Subban. The third-year pro projects to be an ace, as Tuukka Rask’s successor or elsewhere. But Subban won’t be in the mix if the Bruins are talking trade with Winnipeg regarding Dustin Byfuglien.

The Bruins need help on defense with Dennis Seidenberg out for two months following back surgery. Byfuglien, the dynamic right-shot rover, would help. But the Jets are set in goal long term with Eric Comrie and ex-UMass Lowell puckstopper Connor Hellebuyck in the minors under Ondrej Pavelec and Michael Hutchinson.

The Jets would want one of the Bruins’ two 2016 first-rounders and help off the roster. Winnipeg has to budget cash for Andrew Ladd (unrestricted), Jacob Trouba (restricted), and Mark Scheifele (restricted), whose deals will expire after this season.

As unique as Byfuglien is, the UFA-to-be is 30 and is seeking what could be his final big contract. Byfuglien would be a good addition for the Bruins as well as any other club, but one that would come at a cost.

- That the Oilers have never ceased chatter about taking the captaincy away from Andrew Ference indicates the move will happen. The ex-Bruin and Edmonton native was a good choice to wear the “C” when the previous management group signed him to a four-year, $13 million contract. But it’s time for the 36-year-old to pass it on to Taylor Hall. Ference is a good employee and will hand it off gracefully, despite the sensitivity of the transition.

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