Quick Hits: Islanders, Bruins, Senators, Canucks

… The New York Islanders have placed veteran defenseman Brendan Witt on waivers.  The 34-year-old defenseman has five points and a minus-18 rating in 42 games this season.  Witt has been out for about a month with a knee injury.

… One more Islanders note: the team announced on Wednesday that it will hold the team’s training camp in China next fall.  The 10-day training camp is expected to be held in Beijing, Harbin, Qiqihar and Shanghai. 

… The Boston Bruins are apparently ready to participate in the trade frenzy and the team’s first move is trying to deal forward Michael Ryder.  The 29-year-old is on the trade block, according to various media outlets.  Ryder has 20 points in 54 games this season with Boston.  He scored 27 goals last season after signing a three-year deal with the Bruins in the summer of 2008.

… The Ottawa Senators announced today that the club has signed 2009 first round pick Jared Cowen to an entry-level deal.  The 6-foot-5 defenseman was the ninth overall pick in last summer’s draft. 

… TSN is reporting that the Vancouver Canucks are ending contract negotiations with defenseman Willie Mitchell and forwards Ryan Kesler and Mason Raymond until after the season is over.  Mitchell will be an unrestricted free agent after the season, while Kesler and Raymond will be restricted free agents.