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GLOBEANDMAIL.COM: Eric Duhatsheck reports the Anaheim Ducks acquisition of defenseman Ryan Whitney from the Pittsburgh Penguins today in all likelihood means they’ll move either Chris Pronger or Scott Niedermayer by the trade deadline.

TSN.CA: Bob McKenzie suggests the Whitney acquisition has little impact upon what the Ducks might do with Pronger, suggesting the situation is as it always was: he could be moved by the deadline for the right offer or failing that they’ll wait until the off-season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: McKenzie makes a good point and I noted earlier today on my blog that except for Pronger the Ducks have no defensemen signed through next season prior to acquiring Whitney. This move could suggest Niedermayer might be on the move as it’s unknown if he’ll even return to the NHL next season, let alone with the Ducks. I think the acquisition of Whitney means the Ducks are willing to entertain offers for either Pronger or Niedermayer by the deadline.

CBC.CA: reports the Calgary Flames might have interest in either Buffalo’s Tim Connolly or Anaheim’s Brendan Morrison possibly to center their second line with inexpensive center Matthew Lombardi heading the other way. Former Flames and current Coyotes blueliner Derek Morris might also be of interest to the Flames but the asking price for him could be higher.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Connolly’s played well since returning from yet another injury but given his history for getting hurt – especially concussions – he should come with a “buyer beware” tag, while Morrison appears to be a spent force, and certainly not worth giving up Lombardi as I don’t believe Morrison would be an improvement. Several teams could get into bidding for Morris if the Coyotes decide to move him at the deadline.