Forsberg, Blue Jackets, Foote, and trades

Detroit Free Press notes reports in Swedish newspaper Expressen that unrestricted free agent forward Peter Forsberg has received “an encouraging evaluation of his surgically repaired foot” which may allow him to continue his efforts in returning to the NHL.

Rumored to be high on the list of possible candidates to land Forsberg are the Detroit Wings, Ottawa Senators, the Avalanche and Philadelphia Flyers.

---

Aaron Portzline of The Columbus Dispatch reports that the ownership of the Columbus Blue Jackets is willing to increase payroll if it “helps the club make a playoff push.”

---

Still with the Blue Jackets, Adrian Dater of the Denver Post highly doubts that defenseman Adam Foote will leave the club in the off-season as a UFA to return to the Colorado Avalanche.

Dater notes that Foote is enjoying playing for Blue Jackets head coach Ken Hitchcock. Not to mention that for the first time since their arrival in the league Columbus is in serious playoff contention.

---

Brian Biggane of the Palm Beach Post reports that NHL GMs are discussing “possible changes in the collective bargaining agreement that would make it easier to make trades.”