NHL: Jan. 31, 2006

Defenseman Ric Jackman has asked general manager Craig Patrick to trade him if the Penguins don't intend to use him. Jackman has been a healthy scratch for 12 of the Penguins' first 52 games. Asked if he expects to be dealt, Jackman responded, "I would think so." -- Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

With his no-trade clause in hand, Doug Weight held the power in any deal the Blues wanted to make involving him. So when GM Larry Pleau asked him Sunday if he'd waive that clause to play for the NHL's top team, the Hurricanes, Weight had a decision to make. Weight approved a trade to Carolina, which added to the shock following the Mike Sillinger trade. Within a 12-hour period, Blues fans were put on notice that the fire sale is now on. -- St. Louis Post-Dispatch

While the Mighty Ducks can use another scorer, general manager Brian Burke is making it clear he doesn't intend to part with prized youngsters Ryan Getzlaf or Corey Perry. "I think people can see that they will be pretty good players in this league," Burke said. -- Los Angeles Times

Teemu Selanne's future became a hot topic after Burke announced on Sunday that he would attempt to re-sign the forward during the upcoming two-week break for the Winter Olympics. Selanne said Monday that he hasn't thought much about his future, but is certainly enjoying the present. With a team-leading 24 goals and 49 points, any concerns about his surgically rebuilt left knee are gone. -- Los Angeles Times

Kings forward Jeremy Roenick, out since Dec. 19 because of a broken finger, skated with teammates Monday without a blade on his stick. He may be cleared to return for Thursday's game at Phoenix, but that does not mean he will be in the lineup. -- Los Angeles Times

The Sharks' problems in net may lead to Evgeni Nabokov or Vesa Toskala being traded. The Sharks, an NHL team official said, talked with the Lightning about swapping Nabokov for a veteran defenseman two weeks ago. Nabokov has struggled at times, partly because of groin and shoulder injuries. Toskala, who was so well thought of that the Sharks traded Miikka Kiprusoff to Calgary in 2003-04, has also battled a groin problem and his play has been inconsistent. -- Los Angeles Times

The NHL on Monday stood behind its off-ice officials who worked Sunday's game between the Coyotes and the Oilers with regard to how the game clock was operated in the final 2.2 seconds of the third period of Edmonton's 4-3 shootout victory. A replay indicated the clock was not started until about one second after the puck was dropped for a faceoff in the Phoenix zone. Edmonton gained control of the puck, and a shot by Chris Pronger crossed the goal line with 0.9 seconds left to tie the score at 3 and force overtime. -- Arizona Republic

Center Geoff Sanderson likely will play tonight against Vancouver. Sanderson missed the past two games because of a sprained pelvic ligament suffered last Thursday in St. Louis. Sanderson's quick return is stunning given how serious his injury appeared to be. Coach Wayne Gretzky initially said he expected Sanderson to miss the rest of the season. -- Arizona Republic

Gretzky, who was not available for comment Monday, was non-committal after Sunday's defeat when asked which Coyotes goalie would start tonight's game. Brian Boucher, one of three players who practiced Monday, said he did not know who was starting. -- Arizona Republic

Although it was not known yesterday which Capitals defenseman Mike Green will replace, it's safe to assume he will be playing in place of Mathieu Biron or Ivan Majesky. -- Washington Post