Quick hits to start your day.
It has been widely reported that the Islanders are hitting the phones hard as they try and improve and crawl back into the race. This is not a team where "tanking" is an option, and when it comes to talent they have enough to keep it from being an option. There is a report today that the Islanders have talked to the Avalanche about Matt Duchene. I looked into that and found that while discussions took place two weeks ago, they went nowhere and now the two teams aren't talking...Instead the Islanders are talking to the the Ducks about Cam Fowler...
This is surprising because it is widely known that the Isles need to find a winger for Tavares....and fast...But also remember, Garth makes moves in tandem...
On Doan...
As I reported previously, the Habs are pushing hard for Shane Doan and I said yesterday I heard that a December 15th deadline may be in place here. That was confirmed last night by another source, but that source called the deadline, "Not a hard date to make a deal, more of a deadline to see if further investigation would be merited..." That sounds like a deadline to see if Shane is serious about moving to a contender...
Players of the Week...
The NHL has named its three stars for the week.
#1 Jakob Voracek, Flyers, #2 Antti Raanta, Rangers #3 Sam Gagner, Blue Jackets
Watch today's Buzzcast with Russ Cohen and Mike Augello: