from Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet,

- I had an interesting conversation with an agent last weekend.

Thinking about all of the players being discussed in trade rumours around the league, he asked, “How many untouchable players do you think there really are? I mean players who absolutely would not be traded?” I said 20.

His reply: “I don’t think there are that many.”

He might be right. That’s why I don’t think it’s impossible Erik Karlsson gets traded. Maybe no one wants to pay Ottawa’s price, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t discussed. Ottawa’s front office will consider every option, as it should.

- At times, the Red Wings have shown an inclination to move Gustav Nyquist or Tomas Tatar, but not both.

We’ll see where it goes, but while Nashville has shown interest in Tatar, there may be others who like Nyqvist better because he’s got one year remaining as opposed to Tatar’s two.

Nyquist controls more of his future at this time with a no-trade, while Tatar’s doesn’t kick in until July 1.

- Some of the scouts/reporters who were watching Los Angeles at Buffalo last weekend said they haven’t seen a general manager all year as upset as Jason Botterill was during that game.

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