from Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal,

- The Columbus Blue Jackets have a huge hole at centre after giving up Ryan Johansen, their best player. Quite possibly they’re angling for centre Auston Matthews in the NHL draft lottery.

- There’s much talk of Columbus moving a defenceman to get some offence up front and Fedor Tyutin is definitely available. Detroit Red Wings’ Jakub Kindl, who was reportedly offered to the Edmonton Oilers for UFA free agent Jeff Petry last year, is also on the market.

- The Winnipeg Jets could probably sign UFA defenceman Dustin Byfuglien tomorrow if he’d take a five-year, $35-million contract, but he wants major term to go with the dollars. He’s more valuable to the Jets than their other UFA, captain/winger Andrew Ladd, because Byfuglien is the NHL’s most unique player.

much more