from Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet,

- Watch Philadelphia. The Flyers are right at the cap with Michael Del Zotto and Scott Laughton getting closer to returning. Would not be a surprise if GM Ron Hextall is trying to clear cap room. Matt Read has five goals already after 11 all of last season. There was a time Philly looked to move him, but with that pace, I’m not as certain now.

- Two years ago, looking to upgrade his blue line, Montreal GM Marc Bergevin traded for Sergei Gonchar in early November. He’s looking again, even before Mikhail Sergachev was sent back to junior. According to a couple of executives, the problem is while there are some available, they aren’t really top four guys — since Anaheim is determined to keep Cam Fowler and Winnipeg’s asking a huge price for Jacob Trouba. So, teams aren’t certain what’s out there is an upgrade.

- Speaking of Trouba, there were some rumours last weekend he was considering a return to the Jets, but only on a short-term bridge deal. That was denied. We’re a month away from the deadline for him to sign and play this season.

- Another rumbling debunked: that there would be no in-season negotiations between San Jose and Brent Burns. That’s not to say there’s much information on how it’s going, but talks weren’t shelved until the spring.

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