MHN Puck Links: NHL Trade Chatter Heats Up, Stars Interested In Petry?

As NHL teams head off to their respective All-Star breaks, NHL trade chatter is heating up and the Montreal Canadiens are a hot topic.

Will Jeff Petry still be a Habs defenseman when the NHL returns from the All-Star break?

Who else could be available on the NHL trade market?

That and more in the latest MHN Puck Links:

Montreal Canadiens

Will Montreal Canadiens defenseman Jeff Petry be with the Habs when they return from the all-star break or will he be dealt on the NHL trade market? (Montreal Hockey Now)

If and when the Habs do unload Petry and the 3.5 years left on his contract that carries a $6.2 million cap hit, it won’t just be a salary dump according to Pierre LeBrun. (TSN Insider Trading)

Hughes and executive vice president of hockey operations Jeff Gorton are keeping an open mind during the all-star break and going forward when it comes to Petry, the NHL trade market and other player personnel moves. (TSN)

National Hockey Now

The NHL will be loosening its COVID-19 restrictions when the players return to action following the NHL All-Star break. (Pittsburgh Hockey Now)

Mike Nykoluk is remembered as the NHL’s first assistant coach with the Flyers under Fred Shero. (Philly Hockey Now)

NY Islanders: Is Kieffer Bellows part of the future plans for the New York Islanders? Could he become a hot commodity on the NHL trade market? (NYI Hockey Now)

The Capitals report that former Red Wings defenseman Nick Jensen, out since Jan. 20 with an upper-body injury, is improving. (Washington Hockey Now)

Colorado Avalanche forward Nazem Kadri’s free-agent value keeps rising. (Colorado Hockey Now)

Former Vegas Golden Knights prospect and Buffalo Sabres forward Peyton Krebbs had nothing but praise for his former team who was able to acquire former Sabres captain and the prize of the NHL trade market, Jack Eichel for him and others. (Vegas Hockey Now)

Has the play of the San Jose Sharks persuaded center Tomas Hertl to stay and pull his name off the NHL trade market? (San Jose Hockey Now)

Does Jaro Halak want to be shopped on the trade market? (Vancouver Hockey Now)

NHL

The bill to present Willie O’Ree the Congressional Gold Medal was signed into law by President Joe Biden on Monday. Congrats Mr. O’Ree! (NHL)

Here’s some more Canucks names to keep an eye on on the trade market. (Sportsnet)