from Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet,

- Florida cleared cap room by moving Frank Vatrano to the Rangers, then acquired Ben Chiarot from Montreal for a first-round pick, prospect Ty Smilanic (taken 74th in 2020) and a fourth. Teams eyeing defencemen groaned at the return, knowing it will drive up asks for the likes of Hampus Lindholm and Mark Giordano. But Chiarot had a lot of interest (Carolina and St. Louis among the other chasers), and GM Bill Zito wanted him.

- Still in the market for a left-shot defender: Boston, Carolina, Los Angeles, Rangers, St. Louis and Toronto.

- Completely insane Toronto prediction: Zdeno Chara. The Maple Leafs like veterans with great attitudes. Wayne Simmonds. Jason Spezza. Joe Thornton. Ron Hainsey. Obviously, Chara would have to want to do it. The Maple Leafs wouldn’t mind some blueline meanness. He’d qualify.

- Now that Colorado is muscling up — with the flexibility for more — watch St. Louis. Recent struggles aside, the Blues have indicated they feel they’re good enough to win. The Central Division playoffs are going to be nasty, and GM Doug Armstrong’s been mulling a few options. He’s not afraid to be aggressive and has tried to move out money. They’ve intensely examined the rental defence idea (they liked Chiarot) or the more permanent fixture (the now-injured Jakob Chychrun). Again, I’m not yet sure how to read Provorov’s future, but Armstrong’s history is to prefer term over rental. I’d be surprised if the Blues were quiet.

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