Tidbits from Elliotte Friedman

I thought it was important to start with Florida Panthers GM Dale Tallon’s denial in a Miami Herald blog of our report on Hockey Night Hotstove that he had a trade in place involving Dmitri Kulikov, which was the reason the defenceman was scratched last week. It is believed Tallon’s trading partner was the Colorado Avalanche. The two teams did have some serious talks and may do so again. Tallon didn’t comment before we went to air and I stand by the info, but it should be known that history proves he’s been honest when I’ve contacted him about things.

The Panthers sure are giving Tim Thomas a chance to impress the U.S. Olympic cabal. He’s started 15 of Florida’s last 16 games and posted a 1.62 goals-against average and a .938 save percentage in winning his last three starts. Thomas seems like a logical trade deadline target, but he’s got a no-move clause in his contract. When he signed, he wanted to stay the season. Will that change?

http://www.cbc.ca/sports-content/hockey/opinion/2013/12/30-thoughts-correct-call-is-ultimate-goal-in-nhl.html