Armchair GM, Beer League Hero, Edmonton Oilers, NHL, Rumors

(3/14/21) BLH’s NHL Trade Rumors Quick Hits Morning Edition

BLH provides you with the latest NHL news, rumors, and speculation featuring Jake DeBrusk (BOS), Troy Terry (ANA), Kyle Palmieri (NJ), Vitali Kravtsov (NYR), and more!

Is Leon Draisaitl’s excellent two-way presence just a mirage? One Edmonton pundit says they may very well be, BLH says not so fast. Read about it here.

A new name in the rumor mill for Oilers fans! Check out who it is here.

Could Tyson Barrie be trade bait for the Oilers? Read about that here.

This is not the kind of news Edmonton Oilers fans will like.

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NHL Rumors and Speculation

  • Elliotte Friedman (Sportsnet) says he thinks that Linus Ullmark (pending UFA) is going to be in Buffalo next year and that the team that was interested in Jonas Johansson was the Colorado Avalanche. He believes the Sabres are going to try and get something for Johansson.
    • “Mattias Ekholm is definitely out there. There’s a lot of interest. Boston’s around there, Winnipeg, and some people have even suggested Toronto and Montreal. The interesting one here is Philadelphia… Mikael Granlund there’s definitely some interest in.”
    • “I would expect (the Columbus Blue Jackets) are going to move David Savard (before the trade deadline), and I think there’s going to be a lot of interest in him because he’s a good player.”
    • On Jake DeBrusk: “Yes, and I think that’s kinda been the case for a little bit… It’s obvious that the relationship between him and Bruce Cassidy is up and down.”
    • “One young player might be up for a change of scenery here is Troy Terry in Anaheim. I’m starting to hear some conversation about him and whether or not he might go somewhere else.”
  • Vince Mercogliano (USA Today) is reporting now that Vitali Kravtsov is expected to travel to New York within a matter of days. Needs to go through the visa process and COVID protocol. The Rangers believe it’ll take 10-14 days.
  • Insider Trading (Hockey Night in Canada): The NHL and its seven Canadian teams have been trying for the last number of months to get an exemption to the 14-day quarantine and are optimistic that it remains a possibility. They’re hoping to find out ASAP certainly before the April 12th trade deadline.
  • Bob McKenzie (NBC) reckons the Edmonton Oilers, Montreal Canadiens, and even the Carolina Hurricanes might be interested in Buffalo Sabres center Eric Staal. He also says regarding the list for Brandon Montour, “there’s never been a shortage of teams interested in defenders.”
  • According to Josh Yohe (The Athletic), it wouldn’t shock him if the Pittsburgh Penguins are showcasing Marcus Pettersson a little bit. The Swedish defender is a trade candidate given the logjam the Pens have on the left side right now.
  • The New York Islanders and Pittsburgh Penguins have been linked to Nashville Predators winger Viktor Arvidsson says The Fourth Period.
    • They also believe that Anaheim Ducks forward Rickard Rakell is of interest to the Philadelphia Flyers.
    • The Edmonton Oilers and New York Islanders are rumored to be looking at New Jersey Devils pending UFA winger Kyle Palmieri.

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(3/13/21) BLH’s NHL Trade Rumors: “I think they can get a second round pick for him…”

BLH provides you with the latest NHL news, rumors, and speculation featuring Bruce Boudreau, Evander Kane (SJ), Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (EDM), David Rittich (CGY), and more!

Is Leon Draisaitl’s excellent two-way presence just a mirage? One Edmonton pundit says they may very well be, BLH says not so fast. Read about it here.

A new name in the rumor mill for Oilers fans! Check out who it is here.

Could Tyson Barrie be trade bait for the Oilers? Read about that here.

This is not the kind of news Edmonton Oilers fans will like.

Click the pic and find the NHL94 player from your team!

NHL Rumors and Speculation

Daniel Kaplan and Kevin Kurz of The Athletic: Evander Kane and the San Jose Sharks have informed federal bankruptcy court that they are considering ending Kane’s contract. The seven-year, $49 million pact, signed in 2018, has $29 million remaining, according to creditor filings.

TSN: Darren Dreger on TSN 1050 on what it might cost the Toronto Maple Leafs to re-sign pending unrestricted free agent forward Zach Hyman.

  • “So what is a fair offer for him? Is it $4 million? Is it above $4 million? Can’t be too much above $4 million or you’re running into real dangerous territory there right? It is an addition and there has to be a subtraction. But if he gets to the open market, there are people out there that believe he can climb into the 5’s or higher because every team sees what Zach Hyman is bringing to the Toronto Maple Leafs, right?”

Ryan Rishaug: Edmonton Oilers GM Ken Holland said that he has spoken with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins camp recently. He added that there is going to be a flat salary cap for the next few years and that it is a new marketplace for free agents now.

Holland said that they’d like to keep Nugent-Hopkins but they would need to find a deal that would make sense for both RNH and the Oilers.

Corey Masisak of The Athletic: If the Devils want to allocate Subban’s $9 million cap hit differently in 2021-22, they might be able to trade him … after July 1. His salary for next season is $2 million, after a $6 million signing bonus is paid July 1.

Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic: Could the Washington Capitals target Calgary Flames backup David Rittich as the NHL Trade deadline approaches? LeBrun thinks so.

  • “The sense I get out of Washington is that the next few weeks will be important to get a better feel for Ilya Samsonov and where he is with his game… The Caps are all-in and the window to win is tight. So it’s why I think if there’s still any doubt at all closer to April 12 they go out and bring in some insurance in goal. And what better fit than Rittich, who is a pending UFA?”

The Athletic: Craig Custance and Eric Duhatschek updated their NHL Trade Deadline Big Board. Several notable additions include Minnesota Wild defenseman Matt Dumba, Buffalo Sabres center Eric Staal, Anaheim Ducks defenseman Josh Manson, Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Elvis Merzlikins and Arizona Coyotes goaltender Antti Raanta.

Elliotte Friedman (Sportsnet) had this to say on the value of Buffalo Sabres center Eric Staal, Sam Reinhart’s potential trade interest, and Bruce Boudreau possibly coming in to coach the club.

  • “I think Eric Staal is a good player. I think Eric Staal can play multiple positions. I think Eric Staal will be motivated to go somewhere and play. I think those are all good things for him, so… I think they can get a second [round pick] for him, but it’s going to be a buyer’s market, and that’s going to add to the challenges of everything.”
  • “I think if Buffalo does move him, it’s because they get something that I’ve got to think it’s something that all the fans are going to look at and say, ‘Ok, I understand it.’ I saw some of the reaction online when I mentioned Reinhart’s name. I get the sense the fans really like him too. The Sabres have to be keenly aware of that. It’s not a trade you can ‘lose’.”
  • “I know Bruce really wants to coach. I know he does. He’s a coach at heart, it’s in his blood. I think his dream is [the Toronto Maple Leafs], because he’s from there and he played there, but I know he’d love Buffalo if it every became available.”

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2020-21 Edmonton Oilers GM30: Oilers vs. Canucks – Three Players to Watch

After going 0-3-0 to start their homestand, the Edmonton Oilers have rallied off four wins in a row. Tonight, the Vancouver Canucks will look to prevent a fifth win in a row but it’ll be a tough slog for them as Edmonton is 11-1 under Dave Tippett in the second half of back-to-backs. Not only that, but this season the Oilers are 8-3-0 on the road.

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Should they be in the lineup, here are three players that I think you should keep an eye on for the Canucks tonight,

  • #70 Tanner Pearson – Zero points in his last ten games and playing in the top-six? He must have some unforgiving pics of Travis Green. It’s that or Jim Benning is shopping him. In the past, players who’ve been on scoring slumps have done relatively well against the Oilers…
  • #27 Travis Hamonic – I suspect Hamonic is getting shopped right now and there’s no doubt in my mind that contending teams would love to bring him in considering how physical and unselfish he is. I don’t expect him for one moment to let up on any of Edmonton’s forwards tonight.
  • #9 JT Miller – Has been centering Vancouver’s top line recently and his fights/60 are increasing as his growing frustration over the team’s mounting losses. Edmonton will be facing a very grumpy Canuck who has five points in his last five games tonight.

For Vancouver to have success, they’ll need to replicate how the four wins they’ve accrued in their last six. I haven’t watched much of the Canucks outside of their games against Edmonton, but if I had to guess as to what their winning formula was I would say that their big boys came to play and they worked their asses off because that’s how Coach Green has found success with this team in the past.

That means Brock Boeser needs to be finding that soft ice and his center, be that Bo Horvat or JT Miller, will be doing the dirty work to get him the puck.

Vancouver’s scoring from the blueline has all but dried up in their last five contests, so they’ll need to regain their scoring touch if a win is in their cards.

I don’t give the Canucks much of a chance tonight, but that being said, their defense is much better than Ottawa’s, more physical and relentless too, and their goalies are better. Coming out heavy and hard on the Oilers stars and shutting down that first line, as impossible of a task as that seems, will be very key in tonight’s matchup.

With regards to Edmonton, I’ll be watching these three individuals closely,

  • #19 Mikko Koskinen – I’ve not been that disappointed with Koskinen in his last few starts. He let in a bad one really early when he was called upon last, but I thought he battled through valiantly to finish that game. What he needs is one really good outing where he’s considered a factor in Edmonton winning the two points on the evening. I consider his confidence not to be at its optimum level, a really good night in net would jack that up considerably.
  • #15 Josh Archibald – At the end of last night’s game, Bob Stauffer reckoned that Archie was set to be reinserted into the lineup. So this one is a bit up in the air until the lines have been announced. That said, should he be skating tonight, his forechecking and physicality will be welcomed with open arms, especially with Antoine Roussel running about as he’s likely to be doing.
  • #82 Caleb Jones – I was impressed with the last two performances of his against the Senators. He was calm and collected and moved the puck quickly in his own zone. Also, his decision making has improved greatly since the beginning of the year. Those pinches in the offensive zone have been much better.

Three Keys to Success For the Oilers

  • Early Pressure

In their 5-1 loss to the Montreal Canadiens, the Canucks were pressured early and often and they couldn’t find any room or time to get their shit together. Even against teams that are located outside of Ottawa, we know that the Oilers can do this. My only question is, can a line outside of Edmonton’s first do it?

  • Protect the Stars

By the end of the third game against Ottawa this week, the Sens were beginning to take runs at Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. If Vancouver potentially sees this as a rewarding venture, I’m hoping that the likes of JJ Khaira, Alex Chiasson, and either (or both) of Josh Archibald and Zack Kassian step up to the plate so that Darnell Nurse doesn’t have to.

  • Don’t Get Sleepy

I’ve read that the Canucks like a good stretch pass from time-to-time. It would behoove the Oilers not to get sleepy on that fact and be aware of who’s on the ice and where they are positioned at all times. God knows that in the past, Edmonton’s defensemen have been prone to a bit of puck watching.

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(3/12/21) BLH’s NHL Trade Rumors Lunch Time Edition

BLH provides you with the latest NHL news, rumors, and speculation featuring Taylor Hall (BUF), Jake DeBrusk (BOS), Max Domi (CBJ), and more!

Is Leon Draisaitl’s excellent two-way presence just a mirage? One Edmonton pundit says they may very well be, BLH says not so fast. Read about it here.

A new name in the rumor mill for Oilers fans! Check out who it is here.

Could Tyson Barrie be trade bait for the Oilers? Read about that here.

This is not the kind of news Edmonton Oilers fans will like.

Click the pic and find the NHL94 player from your team!

NHL Rumors and Speculation

  • Bob Stauffer (630CHED) says he believes that we’re probably looking at a situation where the Edmonton Oilers make a move between Apr.9th and Apr.12th. He thinks at that time the teams that are sellers, their price point may come down a bit.
    • Stauffer also mentioned the Oilers targeting players in the $3.5m to $4.5M range. “A LWer and a little bit pricier C that would change the dynamic of the team.”
    • Near the end of the first segment of his show yesterday morning, Stauffer adds that maybe the Oilers need a good LHD to go on the 2nd pair for a couple of years as the Oilers wait on Philip Broberg or Dmitri Samorukov.

BLH’s Thoughts: So, which players are in the price range that Stauffer is talking about? Almost everybody that’s been mentioned in the rumor mill connected to the Oilers recently. Jake DeBrusk (BOS), Eric Staal (BUF), Rickard Rakell (ANA) and, Brandon Sutter (VAN) all fit into that description. For DeBrusk and Rakell, you’d have to think that a pretty good young defenseman would be heading out as well as futures. I imagine that the team wants to get Zack Kassian into the lineup ASAP to see what’s going on there because his contract could help with the money in, money out end of making a deal.

As for another LHD, I don’t know about that. They’ve got some good players coming in and if they really want one who could come in an hold the fort until Broberg is good to go, I would think that’s a piece you could add in free agency relatively cheap.  Plus, we don’t know what’s going on with Oscar Klefbom. By the time he’s done rehabbing from shoulder surgery, the 2021-22 season will be about to start or have just started. 

  • Elliotte Friedman (Sportsnet) says EDM/CGY/WPG/MTL would be more comfortable adding a player from OTT/VAN than trading with a US team and losing a player and waiting for the new player’s quarantine. Leafs feel ok about it given their spot in the standings.

BLH’s Thoughts: I can’t see anybody on the Senators that could be of use to the Oilers aside from depth options and Holland has already said he likes the depth of the team… Vancouver, the same. Aside from Tanner Pearson, I don’t envision Jim Benning moving any of their actual good players.

Here’s one for you though, the Calgary Flames. If they’re out of it, could Holland ring them up and see what’s available?

  • Oilers GM Ken Holland made mention of what he might be looking for before the NHL trade deadline expires a month from today.
    • “When you get into the playoffs you need size and depth. You either wear somebody down or they’re going to wear you down,” he said. “You’re always looking at the trade deadline for some size, or experience. Guys who have been there before.”
    • “If there is a player out there who we think can go into our lineup and have an impact more than (just) depth, probably that is something I would look at.”

BLH’s Thoughts: If you combine the two comments, you might come away with the notion that Ken Holland is looking for someone like Rickard Rakell (ANA), Jake DeBrusk (BOS), Tanner Pearson (VAN), or Eric Staal (BUF).

The Fourth Period: “With Columbus already willing to take trade calls on defenceman David Savard, it is believed Domi is also up for grabs, if the right deal presented itself, a source close to the team told TFP on Wednesday”.

BLH’s Thoughts: It’s been one helluva fall from grace for Tie’s boy. He can’t catch any breaks, can he? He’s far too young to be done as a top-six NHL forward and if Columbus falls out of the playoff race as they look to be doing, surely there’s a team out there with the assets to make a deal for him. I’ve always been kind of curious how he’d look beside McDavid in Edmonton… 

Sportsnet’s Luke Fox reckons the Toronto Maple Leafs could make a play for Buffalo Sabres winger Taylor Hall and an offer of Alex Kerfoot, a draft pick, and a prospect, in addition to Buffalo eating 50% of Hall’s contract, might be a high price but should be explored.

BLH’s Thoughts: So are we thinking a 3rd liner, a late first round pick, and a prospect like Nick Robertson or Rodion Amirov will work? I also feel like that is a bit much. In that article, Fox goes on to comment on a couple of other players who, to me, make more sense for Toronto, Nick Foligno (CBJ) and Kyle Palmieri (NJ).

Hall is an elite talent, no doubt, but is he the kind of player who excels with superstars on his line with him where he has to share the puck or is he better when he’s running the show? As fun as it would be to see a line of Hall/Tavares/Nylander, who gets the puck on that line?

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2020-21 Edmonton Oilers GM29: Oilers vs. Senators – Three Players to Watch

The Edmonton Oilers are heading to 7th Heaven with Ottawa Senators tonight. Will the Sens dig in with an injury depleted lineup and squeak out a win or can Leon Draisaitl chalk up another five points and lead the Oilers to another victory to keep the gap between them and the Toronto Maple Leafs at bay?

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Should they be in the lineup, here are three players that I think you should keep an eye on for the Sens tonight,

  • #5 Mike Reilly – Stood out last time with his aggressiveness on Edmonton’s stars. Also because he got gif’d on Draisaitl’s end-to-ender. He’s a player that’s on a lot of trade boards as someone who could help a contender out as a depth option.
  • #19 Drake Batherson – Reminds me a little bit of Cam Neely in that he’s a massive unit with a heavy heavy shot and he knows how to get to the soft areas. Plus he likes to throw the body around a bit. Fighting is all but out of hockey now, so we’ll have to reserve that part of the comparison for another time, but he looks like a fantastically developing power forward that’ll be part of the Sens future for a long time.
  • #28 Connor Brown – Stood out with his speed and forechecking and was one of the better Senators fancies-wise Wednesday’s meeting. That’s a big thing when a game is as lopsided as that one was.

For Ottawa to have success, maybe play with an empty net. The Oilers seem to be having a tough time scoring when the goalie is pulled. You never know, maybe having that extra skater on the ice will help…

Is bringing John Scott out of retirement completely out of the question?

In all seriousness, I would put Joey Daccord in net. He looked much better than Murray and as long as the Oilers don’t shoot high around his ears, he should be okay. Anything can happen in hockey and all the Sens need is a puncher’s chance.

With regards to Edmonton, I’ll be watching these three individuals closely,

  • #19 Mikko Koskinen – I don’t know if he’ll actually be the starter, but Edmonton plays again tomorrow night against the Canucks and I can only assume that Tippett would want Smith going in that one. Koski needs to show that he’s not the next Cam Talbot and that he can instill confidence into his teammates when his name is called. Conversely, his teammates need to show him that they’ve got his back when he lets in a tough one. E.L.E (Everybody Love Everybody).
  • #14 Devin Shore – He’s been solid in his appearances this year. Had a fantastic neutral zone pick-off that lead to a beautiful 2v1 goal with JJ Khaira. In the past, he’s had a couple of 30pt campaigns, so it’s not out of the realm of possibility that he goes on a little bit of a tear.
  • #84 William Lagesson – Wild Bill is back and the Oilers may have the Swedish version of famed dynasty pairing Jeff Beukeboom and Steve Smith! I will say this though, the Swedes might not be as good as fighting as Beukeboom and Smith, but they’ve got better hands.

Three Keys to Success For the Oilers

  • Find a Way to Get the Second Line Going

There’s enough offensive talent to go around twice over on Edmonton’s second line. Ennis, Nuge, and Pulju are fine offensive hockey players, but they’re getting taken to the woodshed as a group. I just wonder if it’s time to get Leon back to centering his own line and RNH and Puljujarvi back up with Connor. The scoring needs to get spread out a bit more, I feel.

  • Puck Possession

Did you see that 25 pass Tiki Taka goal Edmonton scored last time? I’ve not seen anything like that since the old Russian national teams from the early 80s.

More often that not this year, the Oilers have been losers of the possession game which is down to a couple of things in my mind. One, they were getting outplayed and two, they were leading the game and the score effects were in full force.

More specifically though, faceoffs won. This has been Edmonton’s Achilles’ heel for years and I’m hoping that Ken Holland finds a way to address it before the trade deadline this year. Gaetan Haas, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Jujhar Khaira, and Connor McDavid are not really excelling here, although JJ and Connor have improved I feel. Nuge and Haas simply don’t have it on the draw and this leads to Draisaitl being forced to take more faceoffs than he should be.

  • Give As Much As You Take

I feel like tonight’s game is going to have more of a playoff atmosphere to it. Brady Tkachuk is getting tired of being embarrassed and a couple of Sens went down the other night. We saw Mike Reilly try to take on McDavid too… So, if that’s the case and the game is going to go a little bit old school, I’m hoping the Oilers give it back with one caveat, do it early and don’t let it drag on.

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