Jackets eyeing Marleau, Briere, Elias, Gomez?

The Columbus Dispatch is reporting that there is "rampant speculation" that the Columbus Blue Jackets will make a draft day run for San Jose Sharks centre Patrick Marleau. The Jackets could also be looking at the availability of Philadelphia Flyers centre Daniel Briere, New Jersey Devils forward Patrick Elias and New York Rangers centre Scott Gomez. The Blue Jackets need a no. 1 centre, as well as a no. 2 centre, and are willing to spend $15 to $20 million this off-season. Source

The same paper is speculating that Calgary Flames centre Matthew Lombardi could be traded to the Blue Jackets in the offseason.

The Raleigh News & Observer is reporting that the Carolina Hurricanes are close to signing draft pick Brandon Sutter to an entry-level contract. Source

The Nashville Predators have signed goaltending prospect Jeremy Smith to an entry-level contract. Source

J. Carter for Kesler?

According to Darren Dreger of TSN, the Philadelphia Flyers are looking for a defensive forward, and Ryan Kesler of the Vancouver Canucks may just be the player. There is rumors that the Flyers would want more in return, likely a prospect from the Canucks system.

Dreger is also reporting that fired GM Doug Armstrong of the Dallas Stars did not go down with a fight. Sources say Armstrong scoured the league until the very end looking for a game breaking goal scorer - including Patrick Elias, Simon Gagne and Martin St. Louis. It is unclear if new GMs Brett Hull and Les Jackson would follow up on these efforts. Source

Krys Kolanos has signed a contract with the Quad City Flames of the AHL. Kolanos had attended the Calgary Flames training camp but did not report to Quad City in October. Source