Dan’s Daily Links: John Gibson Winner, Oilers Chaos, Ferland Decisions

The Pittsburgh Penguins control their own fate regarding Derick Brassard but are helpless bystanders regarding the Carolina Hurricanes power forward Michael Ferland. It sounds as if there are a few other third line centers hitting the market, some quietly and others not so much. And–get this–the NHL is still playing hockey.

It’s Friday I’m in love.

First, stick tap to Anaheim. They hit the trade market hard Wednesday night with three trades after making a deal on Tuesday. The Ducks shed some unwanted weight and acquired some help in the course of three trades. The finally snapped their 12-game losing streak last night. John Gibson was spectacular. (NHL.com)

The Calgary Flames will honor Jarome Iginla on Mar. 2. The team will retire his No. 12. (Global News)

I’ve told the story too many times–it was Jarome Iginla who unwittingly but graciously launched my national radio career by giving me a few minutes of his time after a long practice and doing so with good cheer. There are so many stories of his giving. An honor well earned.

Michael Ferland. Will the Carolina Hurricanes try to re-sign him or trade him. It doesn’t seem they know. Darren Dreger says the Hurricanes preference is to get him signed (Nichols on Hockey)

Buuuuutttt— Ferland is also number three on the TSN Trade Bait list compiled by Frank Seravalli. The Penguins, with the Boston Bruins, are the teams most often tied to Ferland (TSN)

Gut feeling: Ferland will be a Penguin. Jim Rutherford has to feel good enough about his defense that he can focus assets and resources on Ferland. Knowing how Rutherford operates, don’t be surprised to see a Brassard deal immediately set up a Ferland deal. The Penguins could become a fast, physically dominant team very quickly.

Though Boston’s serious interest and their plethora of young talent might make the ask too rich for Rutherford.

The Edmonton Oilers. Seriously, why is it so tough to run a stable ship? Jesse Puljujarvi is sinking on the bench as Edmonton is desperate for complimentary pieces (Edmonton Journal)

Allan Mitchell of Edmonton Athletic went through the laundry list of needs and changes coming (The Athletic)

These Oilers remind me of the 1980’s Penguins with Mario. Nothing works and it keeps spinning out of control.

Matt Duchene and Mark Stone are the big chips in Ottawa but keep an eye on Ryan Dzingel, a natural centerman with 35 points in 45 games. You know those under the radar moves which pay big dividends… Circle him. Dreger is “pretty sure” he’s getting dealt (Nichols on Hockey)