from Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun,

- The Carolina Hurricanes, a team off the radar screen, could be making the hardest push for Colorado Avalanche centre Matt Duchene. That’s word among league executives and the belief is the Avs are going to go that route then they’re going to want 20-year-old defenceman Noah Hanifan as part of any package with Carolina. GM Joe Sakic has made it clear to every team that has called him that he wants a young, established blueliner, a high-end prospect and a first-round pick as part of any package if Duchene is to be moved. If Sakic doesn’t lower his demands before March 1 then it’s likely Duchene will stay put.

- The waiting game continues to see what happens to St. Louis Blues blueliner Kevin Shattenkirk, who is a UFA on July 1. He could be the biggest piece to move and, as reported in this space last week, its believed the Blues gave an Eastern team permission to speak with his camp about three weeks ago. There’s talk the Toronto Maple Leafs, Lightning and Bruins have all made a pitch to the Blues for Shattenkirk. Only the Bruins would have the ability to sign Shattenkirk to a long-term deal.

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