Insider Trading

Thursday's edition of TSN's Insider Trading featured Darren Dreger, Pierre LeBrun, and Bob McKenzie.

LeBrun: "Well, the Jets still looking for another defenceman and also for a forward, although I don't think either one of those moves would be imminent probably for the New Year.

"The team that's been really aggressive when you talk to teams around the league is Arizona. They have a lot of players up for sale. It's rebuild time in the desert and Antoine Vermette, as we've been saying, he's the guy that should be first out the door. Probably not until the New Year, but a lot of suitors. A lot of talking. And he's a guy that's going to help a team."

Dreger: "The Coyotes are telling teams who are interested in Antoine Vermette, and there are many, that they need a good young prospect and a roster player in return for Antoine Vermette.

"Meanwhile, there's some speculating that maybe Don Maloney's hands are tied a little bit in the trading process because he's waiting for the conclusion of the Andrew Barroway sale. Barroway is trying to buy 51 percent of the Coyotes. That deal is progressing very, very well and an electronic vote by the board could happen soon."

Bob McKenzie, on the prospect of Nick Foligno attracting attention as a potential UFA: "It most certainly would, especially since he's having a career year. He already has 14 goals, 27 points. He's never had more than 18 goals or 47 points in a year, so he's well on his way to shattering that. The Blue Jackets and Foligno are discussing a new contract. They're not far down the trail just yet. But Foligno certainly wants to stay in Columbus, and Columbus would love to have him - but it's going to be an expensive deal to do, especially with Foligno shooting the lights out. I'd have to think his number would start at north of $5 million per year."

LeBrun on KHL in turmoil: Guys like Kovalchuk will still be taken care of.

McKenzie on Feb. 6 dinner for Gordie Howe in Saskatoon: Howe family believes he can be there. If not, his entire family will be there to represent him. Wayne Gretzky is also on the docket for that night.

LeBrun on NHL diving: Hockey Ops are clipping dives. Not just the ones called by refs.

Dreger on NHL diving: NHL and NHLPA partnered on this effort. James Neal is not happy being the poster boy.

McKenzie on Team Canada WJC: Curtis Lazar is a huge addition. Wouldn't be surprised if he's named captain. Team USA's Steve Santini is having pins removed from his surgically-repaired hand on December 23 - not sure if he'll be ready to go on Boxing Day.

Source: TSN/ Notes, Transcript: Nichols on Hockey

Related: Insider Trading

Nichols on Hockey

Nichols on Hockey

Worth Reading

Nichols on Hockey

Nichols on Hockey