from Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet,

- When Evander Kane returned to the lineup last week against Ottawa, attendance was high in the scouting section. Sometimes that happens when there’s a light schedule — there were only three games that night, so turnout is higher than normal. But there’s little doubt Kane will be watched closely, because the Sabres are willing to move him. So far, there hasn’t been an offer worth getting excited about, so unless Buffalo wants to do this for pennies on the dollar, it’s a waiting game.

- Vancouver’s interest is well-known, but, again, I don’t think the Canucks have offered much. The Minneapolis Star-Tribune’s Michael Russo has reported the Wild’s interest. The two GMs — Chuck Fletcher and Tim Murray — are tight. I’m not comfortable being on a different side than the incredibly plugged-in Russo, but I’m getting denials on that one. I do think Minnesota is looking to add a forward, though.

- Speaking of forwards, very curious to see where things go with Columbus and Brandon Saad. He’s fifth on the Blue Jackets in scoring, fifth in time-on-ice among forwards. But he was almost a healthy scratch last week and, somewhere, the team wants to ease its cap crunch. Chicago investigated it last season, but couldn’t make things work. He’s 24 years old and has a lot to give.

- I think the Islanders looked for forward help, but couldn’t find a move that made sense. Can’t imagine they’d want to deal many of their talented young prospects.

- With a couple of weeks to breathe, I’m also uncertain of how serious they are about trading Jaroslav Halak....

more including talk on the Olympics...