The Boston Globe’s Kevin Paul Dupont reports that Atlanta Thrashers forward Erik Christensen wanted out of Pittsburgh because he wasn’t getting enough playing time.

Dupont also suggests that the Boston Bruins should give goalie Tim Thomas a one-year contract extension, while signing Glen Metropolit to a two-year extension due to their strong performances this season.

Lastly from Dupont, he reports that the San Jose Sharks tried hard to deal struggling forward Patrick Marleau before the February 26 trade deadline, but could not find any takers.

According to Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun, Marleau has a “no-movement” clause kicks in on July 1, so he will be even more difficult to deal. That’s why the Sharks wanted to part ways with him now.

Garrioch also reports that the Montreal Canadiens contacted the Chicago Blackhawks to inquire about the availability of forward Martin Havlat, but could not put a deal together. Speculation is that Havlat may be moved during the off-season.

Meanwhile, the Canadiens were also working on trading pending unrestricted free agent forward Michael Ryder to the Calgary Flames for Alex Tanguay. It’s believed that the deal fell through when Flames GM Darryl Sutter decided not trade Tanguay.

Tanguay, who agreed to waive his no-trade clause, is said to be disappointed he was not moved.

Look for the Washington Capitals to attempt and re-sign pending UFA goalie Cristobal Huet, says Garrioch. If they’re successful, longtime Capitals netminder and pending UFA Olaf Kolzig could find himself playing for another team.

Did the Columbus Blue Jackets trade pending UFA defenseman Adam Foote to the Colorado Avalanche over $500,000? Yes, according to Garrioch.

The Blue Jackets also lost out on Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brad Richards, even though they made a decent offer of forwards Gilbert Brule and Dan Fritsche along with a prospect.

So, which teams tried to acquire Blackhawks forward Tuomo Ruutu before the was dealt to the Carolina Hurricanes? Garrioch claims it was the Bruins, Ottawa Senators and Pittsburgh Penguins.

Negotiations between the Buffalo Sabres and goalie Ryan Miller aren’t going well, as Miller doesn’t appear to be in a hurry to sign a contract extension with the Sabres. This leaves Garrioch to speculate that he’ll take off as a UFA after the 2008-09 season.

Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch is reporting that the Columbus Blue Jackets have made an offer to the Lightning for Center Brad Richards. The Jackets have offered LW Dan Fritsche, LW Gilbert Brule, and D Ole-Kristian Tollefsen.

Howson obviously really wants this guy and is willing to part with some of our highest energy players, Fritsche and Tollefsen, and a budding prospect in Brule.

Portzline also reports that there may be no movement today in the Richards deal according to “source” in Tampa Bay.

The article entails that Tampa is looking for a goaltender in a deal but it’s nearly impossible to expect the Jackets to part with Leclaire. The Stars are offering current back-up and up-and-comer Mike Smith, but there are doubts of him being a “franchise guy” for the Lightning.

More to come I’m sure…

The team’s best players, namely forwards Rick Nash and Alexei Zherdev and goalie Pascal Leclaire, are untouchable unless the the right deal comes along. Nash would only come into play if he were traded for the likes of Sidney Crosby, Vincent Lecavalier, or players of similar quality.

Veterans such as forward Sergei Fedorov and Adam Foote are rendered untradable at this time due to their large contracts — Fedorov earns $6.08 million and Foote makes $4.6 million. Interest could pick up as the February 26 trade deadline approaches, though.

As for forwards Fredrik Modin and David Vyborny, they’re still injured, so they won’t be going anywhere.

The best candidates that the Blue Jackets could move are defenseman Ron Hainsey and goalie Fredrik Norrena. However, Portzline isn’t convinced that the Blue Jackets “can afford to move either of them, especially Norrena.”

Recently, it was reported by Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun that the Blue Jackets and Edmonton Oilers are discussing swapping forwards Gilbert Brule and Jarrett Stoll.

But according to Portzline, that move isn’t going to happen. First off, the Oilers want an established top-six forward in exchange for Stall. Secondly, because of his lack-luster stats, Brule might not bring back the kind of return that would help the Blue Jackets in any significant way.

Thus, for now, Howson will have to stand pat.