from Pierre LeBrun of ESPN,

- Patrick Marleau’s kind-of trade request has really gone quiet as a storyline since that early season blip of news. But don’t think it’s gone away. His agent Pat Brisson continues to quietly explore the market, as San Jose Sharks GM Doug Wilson gave him permission to do so earlier this season. Things should heat up closer to the Feb. 29 trade deadline, although there’s certainly no guarantee of a deal, Wilson will only trade Marleau if it’s a deal that makes sense for San Jose. Which means there’s just as good a chance that it’s an offseason move.

- Topping the list of trade deadline needs for the Dallas Stars would be another top defenseman. I wouldn’t expect Stars GM Jim Nill to make this a do-or-die objective or to give up the farm to get it done, but if there’s a deal that makes sense for a top blueliner, that’s where the No. 1 need exists for the high-flying Stars.

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