LeBrun Says 4-5 Clubs Interested in Puljujarvi
Oilers have had 4-5 teams circle back over the past few days. I think Edm’s preference would be to get a forward in return they can use now. If not, forward prospect plus a draft pick. May not move him before Sunday if offers don’t improve. Feb 24 or June also options for trade https://t.co/P7eqfyvfGq
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) November 26, 2019
TSN’s Pierre LeBrun also went on to say in the thread that the Carolina Hurricanes might not be interested in moving a forward for Puljujarvi and that the Stars are happy to sit on Julius Honka.
BLH’s Thoughts: Earlier reports had Julien Gauthier’s name being bandied about as a possible trade target of the Oilers. Now, if the Hurricanes are reluctant to move a forward, does that mean Gauthier is off the table? Personally, I can’t see any reason for the Oilers to accept a Puljujarvi/Honka trade. Edmonton has a plethora of young defenders on their way to the big club.
To speculate on the 4-5 clubs circling around, I would venture a guess that Tampa Bay, the New York Rangers, Ottawa Senators, Detroit Red Wings, and Carolina Hurricanes are the teams calling the Oilers on the big Finnish winger.
There’s some speculation out there that Ryan Nugent-Hopkins’ hand injury might keep him out of the lineup longer than expected and if that’s the case, Ken Holland might be forced into a trade a lot earlier than he originally planned. In that case, names like JG Pageau, Chris Tierney, or Connor Brown (OTT), Andreas Athanasiou (DET), Erik Haula (CAR), and Chris Kreider (NYR) may be some candidates that Edmonton could seek to acquire. They’d have to get creative to work around the salary cap mind you.
Sabres Talking to Penguins and Flames?
Elliotte Friedman said this during a radio spot (WGR 550) in Buffalo,
I don’t think much has changed on the trade fronts. I think the Sabres are still talking to Calgary, there’s been some rumblings that they’ve talked to Pittsburgh. But it’s the usual suspects that are available. Talks continue to look for a forward. (source)
BLH’s Thoughts: The rumblings coming out of Buffalo have been steady this week. The Sabres want to move out a defender (Colin Miller, Marco Scandella, and Brandon Montour have been rumoured) and they’d like to bring in a forward. I’m not sure if anybody that Calgary would have available would move the needle for the Sabres though. As for the Pens, I get that they’re having some problems with staying healthy, but are they really in a position to move out a forward?
Sharks Looking for a Goalie or a Winger?
The Athletic’s Kevin Kurz is of the belief that the San Jose Sharks should be putting a priority on upgrading the wings over a goaltender. Unfortunately, the Sharks don’t have a first-rounder nor do they have a lot of real trade assets to offer.
BLH’s Thoughts: I don’t feel like San Jose will go out and make a really big splash on the trade market. This is a veteran team that simply got off to a slow start but has picked things up lately. I do wonder at what point do they attempt an on-the-fly rebuild though? Should San Jose find themselves just outside a playoff spot come trade deadline, are they simply going to let players like Patrick Marleau and Joe Thornton ride out their careers in San Jose or might they try to move those vets to try and build up some assets? From an Oilers fan POV, one or both of those players would really go a long way in shoring up Edmonton’s forward ranks.
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Shane Gostisbehere About to be Traded?
The Flyers defender is being healthy-scratched for a third consecutive game. It’s becoming pretty obvious that he isn’t in head coach Alain Vigneault’s plans. How long will it take for the Flyers to move Gostisbehere and his $4.5M/yr contract? This is a player who is not far removed from putting up over 60pts in a season.
BLH’s Thoughts: I know that this blueliner isn’t the most proficient defensive defender, but what he lacks in that area, he makes up for in others. Most notably shots from the point and puck-moving. I’d happily take this player on the Oilers if Philly would take back a Kris Russell-like contract or combination of contracts to make the money work.
Quick Hits:
- Bruins close to re-signing two key players. (source)
- Are the Habs keeping a close eye on Chicago? (source)
- Most likely, the Oilers will hold onto Jesse Puljujarvi until 2020 draft it seems. (source)
