Tag Archives: Chicago Blackhawks

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

(2/10/2021) – BLH’s NHL Rumors: “One of the first things new management will do in Pittsburgh is…”

BLH provides you with the latest NHL news, rumors, and speculation featuring Roberto Luongo (FLA), Jake Virtanen (VAN), Lias Andersson (LA), Brent Seabrook (CHI), and more!

Craig Button absolutely tore the Oilers a new a$$hole on TSN 1260 recently. Click this link and read what he said!

TSN1260’s Jason Gregor is pissed! Check out this rant on the Oilers here!

BLH has some ideas for the Oilers lineup card. Check those out here!

NEW: Keith Jones and Patrick Sharp think the Calgary Flames have a better chance at the playoffs this year than the Oilers. Read about that here. 

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NHL Rumors and Speculation

  • Sportsnet: Iain MacIntyre says the Jake Virtanen’s trade value sits somewhere between a late second round pick and an early-to-mid-third rounder.
    • “The New York Rangers traded 2017 seventh-overall pick Lias Andersson to the Los Angeles Kings on Oct. 7 for a 60th-overall draft pick. Andersson was less established than Virtanen, but also two years younger. The Minnesota Wild traded 14-goal scorer Ryan Donato to the San Jose Sharks for a third-round pick in 2021… Among these two deals was probably Virtanen’s trade value.”
  • The Athletic: Aaron Portzline reckons Columbus Blue Jackets head coach might want out of Columbus and that’s why he’s behaving so erratically lately with regards to the benchings of two young NHL stars.
    • “At times, I have this thought in the back of my mind that John Tortorella is almost wanting to be let go. That’s how I read some of these moves. He’s in the last year of his contract, I don’t think he’s coming back and I wonder if he’s sort of ready for it to end here.”
  • Chicago Sun-Times: In an interview with Ben Hope, Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman is considering a long-term future without veteran defenseman Brent Seabrook.
    • “He’s been a warrior for us. Think of his time in Chicago — he never really missed any games. But now we’re realizing he was playing through a lot of pain those years, and it’s caught up to him. He was dealing with his shoulders and his hips to the point where he probably should have had [the surgeries] done years ago, but that’s how he’s always been driven — to keep moving forward, don’t worry about injuries, play through it. So, yeah, we are concerned for him. We certainly hope he can get past it.”
  • Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Scribe Paul Zeise is of the belief that one of the first things new management will do in Pittsburgh is find an upgrade in net.
  • Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Dan Kingerski feels Hextall and Burke made it clear during their introductory press conference yesterday that moving Letang or Malkin is unlikely at least for this season.
  • Spector’s Hockey: Lyle Richardson says that Pittsburgh’s plan to upgrade the roster is going to be an uphill battle because they are up to the cap ceiling next year with only 17 players signed.
    • “The Penguins, however, have limited cap room for 2021-22. Cap Friendly indicates they have $79.3 million invested in 17 players. With the cap expected to remain at $81.5 million, there’s little wiggle room for free-agent additions while trades would have to be dollar-for-dollar.”
  • NY Post: Larry Brooks is reporting that the Rangers efforts to trade troubled defender Anthony DeAngelo have stalled and his career could be in jeopardy.
    • “That is less for hockey and hockey-trade reasons than because of apparent ownership/management fear of fan backlash in acquiring No. 77. Thursday, an immediate onslaught of vituperative responses from Flames’ fans followed our tweet confirming Calgary’s interest in DeAngelo. The interest has since evaporated. It may not be an overstatement to suggest that DeAngelo’s career is on the line.”
  • Sportsnet: Elliotte Friedman wondered aloud recently if former Vancouver Canucks netminder Roberto Luongo might return to the organization.
    • “This is just me talking,” Friedman said. “Let’s just say there was a GM change in Vancouver. Do you think they’d make a run at (Luongo)? If you’re making the change here, eventually, why can’t he do it?”
    • “He knows the market. He knows the heat of it. He knows the craziness of it. Now, the biggest question we haven’t asked is, ‘would he want to do it?’ That’s No. 1. Florida is his home. But No.2 is he knows the market, he knows what it’s like.”
  • The Fourth Period: Says that the Canucks are looking to land a physical, stay-at-home defenseman to help the team’s struggling blue line.

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

(1/20/2021) – BLH’s NHL Rumors: “I can’t imagine that Stan Bowman hasn’t made calls to…”

BLH provides you with the latest NHL news, rumors, and speculation featuring the likes of Pierre-Luc Dubois (CBJ), Keith Yandle (FLA), Patrik Laine (WPG), Patrick Kane (CHI), the Edmonton Oilers, and more!

The Oilers have a bit of a mind-bender brewing on the right side of their defense and a couple of big contracts set to expire there with some high-end prospects almost ready to take over. What is Ken Holland set to do?

TSN’s Frank Seravalli says that Ryan Nugent-Hopkins might not be in the Oilers’ plans going forward. Read all about it right here.

Craig Button absolutely tore the Oilers a new a$$hole on TSN 1260 recently. Click this link and read what he said!

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

NHL Rumors and Speculation

  • Bruce Garrioch (Ottawa Sun): Says the Blue Jackets aren’t alone in their pursuit of Winnipeg Jets winger Patrik Laine,
    • “The Jackets aren’t alone. You can include the Red Wings, Philadelphia Flyers, New Jersey Devils and Chicago Blackhawks as teams that would be interested in Laine. People have talked about the Carolina Hurricanes having interest, but that makes zero sense because they wouldn’t want to shell out that kind of cash.”
  • Danny Silver (NHLTradeRumors.me): Says that the Arizona Coyotes could be after Florida Panthers d-man Keith Yandle,
    • Shane Doan has just made his return to the Coyotes organization. Although he is in an advisory role, his voice could be persuasive in obtaining his former teammate. The Coyotes aren’t a terrible hockey team, but they surely aren’t a good hockey team. Oliver Ekman-Larsson has been placed on LTIR and perhaps acquiring Yandle will be their only hope at salvaging the gaping hole on the blue line.”
  • Mark Easson (NHLRumors.com): Suggests the Florida Panthers could be in for some big changes this summer,
    • “With so much speculation already bubbling over two of the panthers’ Veterans before their season began, one wonders what changes could be in store if this season ends in disappointment like all the others. Aging, expensive players like Keith Yandle could be traded or bought out. Perhaps the core gets shaken up by moving Jonathan Huberdeau, Alexander Barkov, or defenseman Aaron Ekblad.”
  • Adam Gretz (NBC): Had some harsh words for the Edmonton Oilers after reviewing their early-season woes,
    • “When they have an MVP on the ice they look like a potential playoff team. Without either, they look like an expansion team.”
  • Darren Dreger (TSN): Recently speculated on if the Chicago Blackhawks need to go full rebuild and two names they could go after,
    • “But with some of the names that are kind of floating around like Pierre-Luc Dubois as an example with the Columbus Blue Jackets, I can’t imagine that Stan Bowman hasn’t made calls to Columbus. You know, trying to figure that out.”
    • “A younger piece, maybe Laine comes into the discussion. I don’t know. It’s just wondering whether or not Chicago has the future assets to make a deal like that happen.”
  • Elliotte Friedman (Sportsnet): On if the Chicago Blackhawks would move star forward Patrick Kane,
    • “I mean, look, the way I always look at it is this, what situation do you see him getting traded? Do you see the Chicago Blackhawks going to Patrick Kane? The one thing you have to look at here is, when this is over, you have to sell tickets and all these teams are going to be trying to make money. In a gate driven league after fans have been out of games for a year and a half, what do you think gives the Blackhawks a better chance to sell tickets – Patrick Kane or no Patrick Kane?”
    • More on Pierre-Luc Dubois from Friedman, “Teams we haven’t thought about like “A Tampa Bay or Colorado,” may have sniffed around. The Canadiens, Flames, Rangers, and Hurricanes are the usual “suspects” around this situation too.”
  • TSN Radio: If the Ottawa Senators were to trade for PLD, there’s a good chance that young defenseman Erik Brannstrom would go to Columbus.

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

(1/19/2021) – BLH’s NHL Rumors: “The Talk is Boston, Islanders, maybe a three-way trade”

BLH provides you with the latest NHL news, rumors, and speculation featuring the likes of Keith Yandle (FLA), Taylor Hall (BUF), Marc-Andre Fleury (VGK), Evgeni Kuznetsov (WAS), and more!

The Oilers have a bit of a mind-bender brewing on the right side of their defense and a couple of big contracts set to expire there with some high-end prospects almost ready to take over. What is Ken Holland set to do?

TSN’s Frank Seravalli says that Ryan Nugent-Hopkins might not be in the Oilers’ plans going forward. Read all about it right here.

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

NHL Rumors and Speculation

  • Jimmy Murphy (Florida Hockey Now): Recently pondered upon the idea that the reason Florida Panthers general manager Bill Zito wanted to get Keith Yandle to waive his no-movement clause was to set up for a deal to acquire Pierre-Luc Dubois and the scribe was told by a source that was the reason behind the Barkov rumors.
    • Murphy was also told by an NHL scout that the Buffalo Sabres should go out and acquire Vegas Golden Knights veteran netminder Marc-Andre Fleury now that they’re ready to move him.
  •  Mark Chambers/Mike Kiszla (Denver Post): Say that the Avs might have to move d-men Ian Cole or Sam Girard to make room for emerging NHLers Bowen Byram and Connor Timmins.
    • “Some folks will cringe, but Girard, 22, is probably the most tradable of the bunch, because he began a seven-year, $35 million extension this season and losing his $5 million cap hit would give the team money to make a move at forward or goaltending.”
  • Frank Seravalli (TSN): Is of the belief that the Edmonton Oilers will make a trade for a goalie this season.
    • He also thinks that 37yr old Chicago Blackhawks d-man Duncan Keith will seek a trade after this year when he’ll be on the final year of his contract.
    • Seravalli also said that if Winnipeg can’t get a deal done with the Blue Jackets for Pierre-Luc Dubois, then the Carolina Hurricanes will be Laine’s new home. The Jets are said to be interested in defenseman Brett Pesce and forward Vincent Trocheck.
  • Tarik El-Bashir (The Athletic): Is curious about whether the Washington Capitals may trade center Evgeni Kuznetsov.
    • “If the Caps were to ever entertain shipping him out, they’d have to be getting a top-six center in return. Or they’d have to be darn sure a prospect like McMichael is ready to step in immediately and produce 20 goals and 50 assists,”
  • Scott Burnside (The Athletic): Has made predictions on the futures of four players, Taylor Hall, Jonathan Quick, Pierre-Luc Dubois, and Patrik Laine.
    • “Hall has a no-move clause but surely he’d be open to moving to a Stanley Cup contender if the Sabres continue their playoff drought, which is currently the longest in the NHL… Wouldn’t it be interesting if Hall ended up back in Canada with either Calgary or Montreal?”
    • “The Kings will be better because Todd McLellan is that kind of coach. But better is not necessarily good and that means GM Rob Blake will be in a position to find Jonathan Quick should be on the move before the deadline.”
    • “Lots of teams have and will kick the tires on Laine, who will be a restricted free agent at the end of the season and has been a bit prickly on where he views his NHL future. As noted below, Winnipeg is going to be better than people think and GM Kevin Cheveldayoff will be focused on one thing: getting the Jets into the postseason. Like Kekalainen, Cheveldayoff will only move the 22-year-old Laine if it’s a knock your socks off kind of deal that isn’t about futures.”
    • “I see almost zero chance GM Jarmo Kekalainen makes a move to unload Dubois unless it’s a deal that brings in an age-appropriate, commensurate talent, and that’s more likely to happen at the draft.”
  • Nick Kypreos: Says Florida Panthers d-man Keith Yandle prevented a 3-way trade from going down over the weekend,
    • “The Talk is Boston, Islanders, maybe a three-way trade, maybe Yandle ending up with the Boston Bruins. I’m sure the Panthers would have to eat some money on that but it didn’t come to fruition. It appears he stood his ground.”

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Beer League Hero, Edmonton Oilers, NHL

(1/9/2021) – BLH’s NHL Rumor Roundup PM Edition: “It will make a strong offer for Dubois.”

BLH provides you with the latest NHL news, rumors, and speculation featuring Pierre-Luc Dubois, Nick Suzuki, Jimmy Howard, Kirby Dach, Sean Monahan, and more!

Are the Oilers tough enough for the 2020-21 NHL season? A former NHL GM says NO!

Have you read this hilarious Joe Thornton story about the time he was chirping Connor McDavid from the bench and he made everyone within earshot burst out laughing? Do it now!

Have you ever seen the video of the time Doug Risebrough sucker-punched Marty McSorley and then had his ass handed to him? You have to check it out here.

Did Connor McDavid have a hand in bringing Jesse Puljujarvi back to Edmonton? Read about it here.

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

NHL Rumors and Speculation

  • Harman Dayal (The Athletic): Has posted his top-ten candidates to breakout in 2020-21 and it includes such names as Nick Suzuki (MTL), Cal Peteresen (LA), Matt Grzelyck (BOS), and Chandler Stephenson (VGK).
  • Corey Pronman (The Athletic): Published his 2020-21 list of the best players under the age of 23. Here are where he had the Edmonton Oilers who were eligible,
    • Jesse Puljujarvi (80th)
    • Philip Broberg (85th)
    • Kailer Yamamoto (111th)
    • Evan Bouchard (117th)
    • Rafa Lavoie (134th)
  • Scott Wheeler (The Athletic): Has some interesting names in his top-20 Calder Trophy candidates for 2020-21,
    • Gabe Vilardi (LA) – 7th
    • Bowen Byram (COL) – 13th
    • Evan Bouchard (EDM) – 18th
  • Pierre LeBrun (The Athletic): Has seven potential landing spots for Pierre-Luc Dubois that could make sense,
    • Anaheim – “They’ve got young assets throughout the organization, more than most teams, and Dubois’ age fits perfectly with where Anaheim is headed.”
    • Calgary – “This could be an appealing trade partner for Columbus if a Dubois deal is more about getting players back who can help the Jackets now. Is there something here around Dubois and Monahan?”
    • New York Rangers – “Eventually, I’m guessing next summer, the Rangers are going to get around to finding another top-6 centre for their talented lineup.”
    • Los Angeles – “If Columbus will want a young centre back in a package then the Kings are better suited to build that package than many other teams.”
    • Chicago – “if I’m the Jackets, the conversation must start with Kirby Dach and that might be tough for Chicago to contemplate given his place in the Hawks’ rebuilding plans.”
    • Winnipeg – “You’d have to know if you’re Columbus that Laine would want to sign there long-term and ditto for Dubois in Winnipeg.”
    • Montreal – “GM Marc Bergevin has a track record of keeping tabs on situations like this. So you can bet he will do just that.”
  • Don Brennan (Ottawa Sun): Reckons the Senators should aggresively pursue PL Dubois,
    • “If Ottawa is serious about its rebuild, it will make a strong offer for Dubois. Something Kekalainen can’t refuse. Among its prospects, Ottawa has some good young defencemen. Would Jake Sanderson (fifth overall in 2020) or Jacob Bernard-Docker (26th overall in 2018) be enough to acquire the third pick of the 2016 entry draft?”
  • Jim Parsons (NHL Trade Talk): Commenting on a report regarding the New York Rangers dealing out some of their prospects to bring in a high-end talent, he said this,
    • “With so much talk surrounding names like Patrik Laine and Pierre-Luc Dubois, there’s chatter these are two names the team might be looking at.”
  • Anthony Scultore (Daily Goal Horn): Says with the retirement of goaltender Corey Crawford, the New Jersey Devils are looking at former Detroit Red Wing Jimmy Howard.

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

(1/2/2021) – BLH’s NHL Rumor Roundup: “The Simplest Solution Here Would Be to Move On From…”

BLH provides you with the latest NHL news, rumors, and speculation featuring Artem Anisimov, Patrick Kane, Dylan Strome, Jack Roslovic.

Read about BLH’s FIVE underrated players to watch at this year’s World Juniors here!

Are the Oilers going to make a trade sooner or later? Read about that conundrum here!

Who Might Newly-Signed Slater Koekkoek replace in the Oilers Lineup? Read about it now!

Oilers pundit says the club might be down ANOTHER forward before camp starts! Who could it be?

Are the Oilers tough enough for the 2020-21 NHL season? A former NHL GM says NO!

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

NHL Rumors and Speculation

  • Ken Warren (Ottawa Sun): Says the Senators have too many forwards and defencemen now and could see the team possibly moving on from Artem Anisimov..
    • “The simplest solution here would be to move on from Anisimov, whose game is too slow for the modern NHL, but it will be tough to find a taker for the $1.5 million left on his deal.”
    • “…don’t be surprised if there are more moves to come.”

BLH’s Thoughts: I don’t know if there’ll be that many moves to be honest. Ice time is going to come on a merit basis and also when injuries crop up. A guy like Anisimov who’s been in the league as long as he has, he should have no problem cracking the Sens lineup and I don’t see someone like Logan Brown or Josh Norris pushing him out yet.

If the Sens want to stay out of the North Division’s basement, they need to keep as many real NHL players in their squad as possible. 

Personally, I think they should take one more year to accumulate assets, but they’re not making the playoffs this year anyhow, so most likely that is what the plan is and there’ll be a firesale at the deadline that’ll see them ship off their tough guys and pests to the highest bidder to teams looking to emulate what the Lightning did last year.

BLH’s Thoughts: Good Christ… This is bad. Why in the world would the Blackhawks deal a future hall-of-famer and franchise player for a handful of bottom-sixers and prospects that might never make the NHL? If I was the GM and the Devils came calling for Kane, they’d have to cough up either Jack Hughes or Nico Hischier plus a Ty Smith as well as someone like Dawson Mercer or Alexander Holtz. And even then, that might not be enough. 

  • Scott Powers (The Athletic): Says Dylan Strome and the Chicago Blackhawks are closer than ever on a new deal.
    • “As of Friday morning, neither side had agreed on a deal. The Blackhawks had made an offer, Strome’s side countered and a compromise hadn’t been found yet. The sides are believed to be closer than before. But it’s still possible Strome won’t report to camp come Sunday. The Blackhawks are prepared for that possibility.”

BLH’s Thoughts: Strome is in a bit of a power position now eh? Chicago is down their no.1 and no.2 center going into the season. This could be the year he finally emerges, especially if he has the aforementioned Patrick Kane on his wing. 

  • Anthony Scultore (Daily Goal Horn): Reckons that the Winnipeg Jets could find a trade partner in the Blackhawks now that Jonathan Toews is going to be out of the lineup for the foreseeable future.
    • “There just so happens to be a player that fits. Jack Roslovic is a 23-year-old RFA that’s not happy with the way the Winnipeg Jets have been utilizing him. He was a first-round pick back in 2015 and saw career highs with 12 goals and 29 points playing primarily as a third liner.”

BLH’s Thoughts: I don’t think Roslovic would replace either of Toews or Dach straight up but it would be good for Chicago to add another center. Maybe bring in Anisimov from Ottawa if they’re so eager to move on from him too.

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This is how Pavel used to tell you who was #1 back in the day! Click the pic and grab a shirt or a mask!