from Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun,

- There is lots of talk Edmonton needs a goalie, but what GM Craig MacTavish would like to acquire is a top end defenceman. There are a shortage of those around the league and the Oilers have to decide what they are realistically ready to give up in any deal. Teams want their young players, however, there is no sense in MacTavish mortgaging the future.

- The heat has been turned up on the NHL's longest-serving coach Barry Trotz. He might be without top G Pekka Rinne, however, there is talk a change could be made in Nashville. If that were to happen you have to think the top candidate as a replacement would be Predators' assistant Phil Housley. Any change before the end of the season would be surprising.

- The talk among GMs is Montreal would be willing to move C David Desharnais. The issue: The 27-year-old has four years left with cap hit of $3.5 million per-season and no goals.

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