Daily Scan: Flames rest before Hawks game, Boeser on NHL trade block

The Calgary Flames took the day off Monday after a long road trip. The seven-game roadie followed a brief homestand that was preceded by a five-game road trip – also out east. So needless to say, the Flames probably needed the extra rest. Meanwhile, Montreal is talking about the 2022 first-overall draft pick, Evander Kane is a lone wolf among Sharks, and the Vancouver Canucks are ramping up the NHL trade chatter on Brock Boeser.

Surely the Canucks would never trade Boeser to the Calgary Flames – a hated division rival. But a right-handed sniper for the top six has always been the dream for the Flames. Of course, lefty Andrew Mangiapane is doing just fine there right now.

Including the bookends of the last game at the Saddledome against the Sharks two weeks ago and Tuesday’s game against the Chicago Blackhawks, it’s been nine games in 15 nights with a couple of cross-country trips and a half-dozen hops in between. Sutter offered up a beauty quote after the Boston Bruins blanking.

“This is our eighth game in 13 days, with two back-to-backs, so give the players credit. It’s not easy,” said the Calgary Flames head coach. “They got to sweat and bleed eight times in the last 13 days.”

As for Boeser, the NHL trade chatter includes a Hockey Now scoop from Vancouver. Read more in the links …

Oh Canada! Canada Hockey Now

Vancouver: The Canucks season is slipping away quickly. Since the summer, Brock Boeser has been on the NHL trade block, but now Vancouver GM Jim Benning is getting itchy. Things are happening.

Toronto: The Toronto Maple Leafs are much improved in their goaltending and defence, and it’s changing the team, according to Scott Cullen. He dishes some grades for the back end and a red-hot Jack Campbell. 

Montreal: Their hapless penalty killing is killing the Montreal Canadiens right now.

NHL Trade talk, news & National Hockey Now

San Jose: The Evander Kane saga is like a soap opera at this point. So what will San Jose Sharks do with Kane when his suspension is over this month? He’s been skating by himself, away from the team. The Sharks still don’t know what to do with their troubled star winger.

There are no takers for Kane on the NHL trade market, and it’s hard to believe anyone will change their minds without Kane somehow having another opportunity to prove he won’t be a distraction.

Sportsnet: Credit some Montreal reporters. Rather than grabbing a shovel to bury the hapless Habs, the spin is No. 1 pick Shane Wright! 

Vegas: The Golden Knights had the game under control, then the wheels fell off, and they lost to St. Louis 5-2. Robin Lehner owned the loss and shrugged in the postgame…”It is what it is…”

Colorado: Nazem Kadri is a polarizing player the Colorado Avalanche might have to live without. Adrian Dater says sign Kadri now. 

Florida: The Florida Panthers are pretty damn good. They’re now one of the betting favs for the Stanley Cup. Speaking of bets, if you’re looking to make some online, head to Spreads and get more bang for your buck with free bets and other offers.

Anaheim: Troy Terry’s 16-game point streak ended as the Ducks lost in Nashville.

Pittsburgh: The Penguins crashed the net to beat Winnipeg 3-1, for a perfect Canadian trip.