It appears Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman is working around eventual extensions for Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews and Brandon Saad. All three players can sign new deals this summer.

Nashville Predators GM David Poile:

‘’If we trade David Legwand for a draft pick or prospect that’s not going to come in and play here , you could argue quite convincingly that that’s not going to make us a better hockey club.’’

During the Sochi Olympics, word was Ted Nolan, who coached team Latvia in Sochi, had a three-year extension waiting for him. John Vogl of The Buffalo News reported last week there was supposed to be an announcement last Tuesday.

At least one NHL team was told the New Jersey Devils are not trading Jaromir Jagr.

The Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers are in a bit of a holding pattern waiting for teams to look into other situations before circling back.

The Oilers seem confident they will move Ales Hemsky and Nick Schultz.

There’s also the question of Ryan Smyth. It sounds like Edmonton are sensitive about making sure he goes somewhere where the fit really makes sense.

Friedman thinks the Oilers had interest in Michal Neuvirth of the Washington Capitals.

It was denied by both the team and agent: Cam Ward wants the Carolina Hurricanes to trade him.

Ottawa Senators Eugene Melnyk:

“We’re definitely not sellers. We are definite buyers if the opportunity arises.”

Kings GM Dean Lombardi doesn’t like rentals… If he thinks he can extend Marian Gaborik or Matt Moulson, he’ll be more inclined to pay.

Lombardi wants a left-shooting defenceman like Andrew MacDonald. New York Islanders GM Garth Snow is asking a lot for both he and Vanek. If the Kings are willing to take the two of them, Friedman wonders if the price is reasonable in Lombardi’s eyes?