The Daily: Bruins Need Center from Santa; Pens Need Rebuild?

NHL trade rumors are running rampant to the point that even Santa’s name came up this week in Boston Bruins trade rumors.

No, Santa isn’t being dealt. But Boston Hockey Now’s Jimmy Murphy asked hockey insider Pierre McGuire to speculate on what kind of gift Boston Bruins GM Don Sweeney might need from Santa this Christmas.

“If I were Donny Sweeney,” McGuire said. “I would ask for a center iceman that could manufacture points; a slick center iceman that could manufacture points.”

It’s OK to have some fun now and then, but the Bruins certainly have looked at the available centers. But there are some far more serious news in the trade market this week.

Respected hockey analyst Pierre LeBrun speculates about the possibility of the Pittsburgh Penguins might tear up the roster if they are out of the race at the All-Star break. That would mean selling off Erik Karlsson, Evgeni Malkin, Kris Letang, maybe even Sidney Crosby.

Earlier this week, LeBrun reported the Calgary Flames may be in a holding pattern when it comes to making more trades. Also, St. Louis Blues general manager Doug Armstrong said no member of the Blues team is safe. This came after Armstrong fired coach Craig Berube.

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

• Are Detroit players deferring too much to Patrick Kane? Coach Derek Lalonde says it’s happening
• Ville Husso‘s best effort is undone by one costly mistake against the Carolina Hurricanes.
• Coach Dan Watson relishes his  with first season with the Grand Rapids Griffins, and he’s enjoying the experience.
• Paywall story: Robby Fabbri‘s offensive production is symbolic of the team’s improved scoring ability.

Red Wings Next Game

Detroit’s squad will be on the road Saturday to meet the Philadelphia Flyers in Philadelphia. The Flyers are hot, posting a 5-0-2 record in their last seven games.  Michael Rasmussen is hot for Detroit, scoring five goals and putting up eight points in his past seven games. Jonatan Berggren has a point (2-1-3) in all three games he has played since being recalled from Grand Rapids.

Hockey Now Networks

Chicago: As the losses begin to mount for the Chicago Blackhawks, Nate Brown wonder whether confidence is starting to be a problem for the young team.

New Jersey: James Nichols writes about where slumping Timo Meier fits in the New Jersey Devils lineup.

Philadelphia: Sam Carchidi writes that general manager Danny Briere has his priorities right: just because the Philadelphia Flyers are playing better than expected, he’s not going to mortgage the future to add some temporary help.

Pittsburgh: With Sidney Crosby on a pace for 50 goals, there’s still more to be said about how well he is playing. Pittsburgh Penguins.