CHICAGO — Scouts from seven NHL teams attended Sunday’s game between the Avalanche and Chicago Blackhawks.
With the NHL trade deadline eight days away, it’s getting down to the wire for teams finalizing their wish lists.
Toronto, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Phoenix, New Jersey, Vancouver and Nashville had scouts in the press box.
Avs general manager Francois Giguere was at the game, but was scheduled to leave afterward on a flight to Florida. The league GMs will meet beginning today in Naples, Fla., where no doubt some trade talks will intensify.
One scout who spoke on condition on anonymity said he had been instructed to evaluate Avalanche veteran Andrew Brunette.
Brunette is signed through next season with the Avs at $1.6 million. His production has slipped some this year, as injuries to linemates such as Paul Stastny and Joe Sakic haven’t helped.
Brunette’s playing time has dipped a bit in the second half. He logged just 12:20 on Thursday against St. Louis, his lowest playing time since playing 11:46 on Jan. 8 at Detroit.
Forsberg in the news.
A report Sunday on French-Canadian television said Peter Forsberg will decide today whether he will return to the NHL — and choose a team if he does.
An Avs official said Sunday the team had not heard from Forsberg or his agent, Don Baizley. Baizley did not return a call Sunday.
Adrian Dater
