from Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet,
- No comment from Steve Yzerman, but there a few rumours the Tampa Bay Lightning are working on a contract extension for head coach Jon Cooper. He was hired March 25, 2013, so the timing makes sense.
- Comcast Sportsnet’s Joe Haggerty added some spice to holiday Monday meals with a report that the Boston Bruins could begin shopping Zdeno Chara and/or Brad Marchand should things not improve. Part of me wonders if this is an attempt to light a fire under the players. Marchand, out with a concussion, has a modified no-trade clause, with one year remaining. Chara has two more seasons to go, and a full no-move. I could never pin it down, but I do think at least one team asked about him last season, only to be rebuffed. I have zero evidence Boston’s ever asked him to consider it, and don’t believe it’s occurred. Anyone can get traded, but, as the team turns over its roster to younger players, is it wise to move out someone who sets a great example by taking such care of himself?
- If a Chara deal ever did happen, I’d love to see him with the Lightning. That would be quite a match. They like to play fast, but they checked out Roman Polak last season, so are interested in something a little different. But I’ve got no idea how they could make it work under the cap. Same with the Columbus Blue Jackets. That’s another team Chara could positively impact, but has difficult contract permutations. Edmonton could certainly handle it and Peter Chiarelli loves him. But can anyone see the Bruins making that deal?
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