from Adam Kimelman of NHL.com,
- Tomas Tatar is trying to focus on helping the Montreal Canadiens win, and the forward and isn't worrying about trade rumors involving him....
The 29-year-old is signed through the 2020-21 season, but with the Canadiens eight points behind the Florida Panthers and Toronto Maple Leafs for third place in the Atlantic Division, they appear to be looking toward the future. Montreal traded defenseman Marco Scandella to the St. Louis Blues on Tuesday for a second-round pick in the 2020 NHL Draft and a conditional fourth-round pick in the 2021 NHL Draft.
Tatar leads the Canadiens with 54 points (21 goals, 33 assists) in 62 games and would be a valuable addition for a contender looking for more than a rental player.
"To be honest, I don't really want [Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin] to come down and talk to me," Tatar said. "I'm trying to play my game and focus on my team, and if something happens, that's just the way the business works."
- General manager Joe Sakic said he's known for about a month what players the Avalanche would like to add to their roster and is taking a practical, open-minded approach to the deadline.
"We know the guys we think would be a good fit to our team," Sakic said Wednesday. "If it works out, great. There's obviously things we're not willing to move, but if there's a deal that makes sense for us we'd like to do it.
"I'd rather not [trade a first-round pick], but I won't rule anything out. It all depends on what packages are out there. To be honest with you, I prefer a hockey trade rather than going in the rental market. We're going to be open to the rental market as well. What's the cost going to be? I'm not here just looking short term; I'm paid to look after the big picture."
more on each of the above pluse talk surrounding the Devils and Flames...
Create an Account
In order to leave a comment, please create an account.