Hockey Night in Canada: Saturday's Headlines

Elliotte Friedman and Damien Cox's weekly segment on Hockey Night in Canada.

Cox: World junior update: Zack Smith injury could mean Curtis Lazar won't be available to Team Canada. Jim Benning says he'll wait until the deadline to decide on Bo Horvat. Connor McDavid did not play tonight. He may play on the 21st. 

Friedman: "Within a week of the pre-Christmas trade freeze, there's a lot of talk around Boston. I think there are a lot of teams feeling that the Bruins would like to do something. They lost today in a shootout. Chris Stewart is the name that's been the most pronounced with them. Ottawa too. But one team that did kick the tires around Chris Stewart was Calgary. Word is the Sabres were looking for a mid-level prospect and maybe an AHL player. I think that's on the backburner now from the Flames, but they did look at it."

Friedman: Cory Sarich on the radar for Team Canada Spengler Cup roster. 

Cox: Ryan Garbutt is a repeat offender, which ended up costing him.

Cox: Looks like Joe Pavelski will be the next captain of the San Jose Sharks. "I think it will happen before the end of the season."

Friedman: William Foley's next meeting with the NHL on Las Vegas expansion is expected to be next week. Wayne Gretzky confirmed to John Shannon he does have an unofficial role with the team. 

Cox: Nick Foligno looks like he could be a prized free agent next summer, if he doesn't sign a new contract with Columbus. Blue Jackets want to start talks with his agent soon. Puts him a  similar position to Matt Beleskey of the Anaheim Ducks.

Cox: Talked to Brian Burke today. One more year on his contract after this season. He loves the job. No plans to go anywhere. 

Source: HNIC/ Notes, Transcript: Nichols on Hockey