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(3/16/21) BLH’s NHL Trade Rumors: Hall to the Oilers? Gaudreau to the Maple Leafs?

BLH provides you with the latest NHL news, rumors, and speculation featuring Rasmus Ristolainen (BUF), Josh Manson (ANA), Johnny Gaudreau (CGY), John Klingberg (DAL), 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

Eric Duhatschek (The Athletic) recently listed off ten teams that MUST make a trade by the April 12th trade deadline this year. Here are some of the more interesting snippets of what he said in that article,

  • Buffalo Sabres – “Maybe the most intriguing player on the Sabres outside of Eichel is defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen, 26, with this year and next left on a contract that pays him $5.4 million.”
  • Nashville Predators – “The Predators also have a long list of reasonable rentals (Granlund, Haula, Richardson) or players with reasonable term (Cousins, Borowiecki, Kunin, Calle Jarnkrok) that they could move. Duchene and Johansen likely are owed too much money ($8 million apiece) and have too much term remaining on their contracts to elicit anything more than lukewarm interest, unless two teams can get reasonably creative.”
  • Anaheim Ducks – “The most attractive bit of trade bait is Josh Manson, 29, a right-shot defenseman earning $4.1 million for this year and next, but someone who has had a difficult time staying healthy. But when he is, Manson is a tough, edgy player to play against.”
  • Boston Bruins – “There are some defensive upgrades that they could conceivably manage… Options that would fit the bill on a shorter-term basis include Ryan Murray from the Devils, David Savard from Columbus, Jamie Oleksiak from Dallas and Montour, from the Sabres.”
  • Colorado Avalanche – “If the Stars were to fall out of contention, wouldn’t it be something if the short-term solution in Colorado turns out to be Anton Khudobin? Other more realistic options: Jonathan Bernier from Detroit or Antti Raanta from Arizona, who put on a goaltending clinic vs. the Avs last Wednesday night.”
  • Toronto Maple Leafs – “The Predators’ Granlund has been linked to the Leafs in some speculative circles, but repatriating Josh Leivo would be an inexpensive insurance policy and someone such as Boone Jenner, 27, at $3.75 million for this year and next might be a nice fit as well.”
  • Minnesota Wild – “If (Bill) Guerin wants to be bold, he could dangle Matt Dumba on the market, given that if he doesn’t move Dumba either at the deadline or just before the expansion draft, he’s got a protection issue.”
  • Calgary Flames – “If they do fall further out of contention, it’s possible they’ll be sellers but other than Bennett or a depth piece such as Leivo, it’s hard to see a lot of major moves in Calgary until the offseason.”
  • Detroit Red Wings – “(Jonathan) Bernier, as an insurance policy on a contending team, probably has the greatest value here, unless they legitimately start listening on Mantha.”
  • Ottawa Senators – “The Senators can expect to get calls on their UFAs and maybe even a few signed players, such as Chris Tierney, Connor Brown or Austin Watson. Is it just me or does Watson seem like a Darryl Sutter type of player?”
  • New Jersey Devils – ” if the Devils can judiciously sell at this year’s deadline, they’ll be in a position to spend, spend, spend going forward – at a time when everyone else will be trying to shed, shed, shed salary. They will be worth monitoring, a team that could be genuinely impactful at the deadline.”

Scott Burnside (The Athletic) has written about six NHL trade deadline deals he’d like to see this year. Here are some clips of what he posted,

  • Buffalo Sabres trade Taylor Hall to Edmonton Oilers – “The Sabres would have to eat half of Hall’s $8 million salary and the return would be negligible, maybe a mid-range pick and a mid-range prospect… But maybe the Oilers sweeten the pot if the Sabres took Neal off their hands…
  • Calgary Flames trade Johnny Gaudreau to Toronto Maple Leafs – “The Flames will likely have to eat some of Gaudreau’s $6.75 million salary as well as likely take back some salary possibly in the form of Alex Kerfoot… a first-round pick in either this year’s draft or next and another solid pick plus a prospect like Timothy Liljegren.”
  • Arizona Coyotes trade Darcy Kuemper to Colorado Avalanche – “Perhaps adding Francouz, whom goaltending experts believe has NHL starter capability, plus perhaps a second-round pick for Kuemper is the smart play for the Coyotes.”
  • Los Angeles Kings trade Dustin Brown to Pittsburgh Penguins – “The Kings might eat some of that depending on what kind of piece gets sent back. Given the overloaded state of the Pittsburgh blue line maybe there’s a young defensive bauble that satisfies the Kings end of things.”
  • Dallas Stars trade John Klingberg to Philadelphia Flyers – “What would it cost? Plenty. A package that includes a first and maybe a second-round pick plus one of the Flyer’s top young offensive prospects.”
  • Los Angeles Kings trade Jonathan Quick to Carolina Hurricanes – “As for a return, at this stage of his career and given Quick’s contract a late-round pick or lower-tier prospect is likely all it would cost Carolina. Pretty small exposure for a possible big-time return on investment.”

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(3/15/21) BLH’s NHL Trade Rumors: Which Red Wing Will Garner the Best Return?

BLH provides you with the latest NHL news, rumors, and speculation featuring the top free agents from the 2021 NCAA class, Marcus Pettersson (PIT), Rickard Rakell (ANA), 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

NBC Sports 2021 Top NCAA Free Agent Team: Zach Leach recently posted some of the best college free agents available now that a lot of collegiate teams’ seasons have ended or will be ending soon.

Forwards

  • Alex Steeves, Notre Dame (Jr.) – “A skilled forward who makes the players around him better, Steeves is ready for the pro game, even as a junior. Assuming he forgoes his remaining NCAA eligibility, Steeves could sign soon.”
  • Jordan Kawaguchi, North Dakota (Sr.) – “A supremely skilled playmaker who is tied with Steeves with 31 points this season, Kawaguchi thinks the game at a high level and has great vision on the ice.”
  • Marc McLaughlin, Boston College (Jr.) – ” McLaughlin is pro-ready right now and there will be a strong market for his mature, complete game. A physical, two-way center who excels at the technical aspects of the game, McLaughlin also found his offense this year with 23 points in 21 games.”

Defensemen

  • Matt Kiersted, North Dakota (Sr.) – “The puck-moving defensemen has played major minutes for a contender at North Dakota and his 19 points in 25 games is among the best marks for blue liners. He also plays competent defense and looks ready to step into an NHL depth role right away. “
  • Akito Hirose, Minnesota State (Fr.) – “Hirose’s mobility is top-class and has many believing he is better off developing in the pros. He has shown that he can be a difference maker on the back end, even in a conservative system like the Mavericks’.”

Goaltenders

  • Strauss Mann, Michigan (Jr.) -“While he may not be at the very top of the NCAA goalie ranks statistically, scouts rave about Mann’s vision and quickness… Mann is also the Wolverines’ captain and has been unbelievably consistent as their workhorse over the past two seasons. A smart and respected teammate, Mann has the makings of an NHL starter in time.”

Brian La Rose (NBC Sports): Thinks Detroit’s Luke Glendening might garner the best return for the Red Wings between now and the trade deadline on April 12th.

  • “In terms of who actually fetches the best return for Detroit between now and next month’s trade deadline, I think it’s Luke Glendening.  He has been in deadline speculation for a few years now but with his contract expiring, this is the time to make a move.  He’s still elite at the faceoff dot and there will be contenders willing to pay for that while his $1.8MM AAV will be easier to work in to a cap-strapped roster than someone like Mantha.  It won’t be a package of high picks and prospects (a second-rounder is about the top end of what they could try to ask for) but they can still add more assets.”

Rory Boylen (Sportsnet): Has a number of players listed over at Sportsnet that he considers “Depth” options for some NHL teams as they look to add at the trade deadline next month.

Frank Seravalli (TSN) says that the Anaheim Ducks would prefer to move Adam Henrique or Jakob Silfverberg before winger Rickard Rakell, but their contracts are a challenge and each of three seasons left. Seravalli noted that the price is “high” on the Swedish sniper but the Ducks could be convinced to part with him if they think that the return would help jumpstart their rebuild process.

Pierre LeBrun (The Athletic): Believes that the cost for Nashville Predators defenseman Mattias Ekholm could only be a first round pick and a prospect and if the Boston Bruins are willing to pay that price, their window to win is closing fast. They need a top-four d-man and Ekholm could provide “decent offense”. However, LeBrun adds not to count out the Winnipeg Jets either.

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(3/11/21) BLH’s NHL Trade Rumors PM Edition

BLH provides you with the latest NHL news, rumors, and speculation featuring Rickard Rakell (ANA), Jake DeBrusk (BOS), Clayton Keller (ARI), 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

Rory Boylen (Sportsnet) has a number of players listed for the upcoming NHL trade deadline categorized in group entitled, “Headturners”. Presumably it means that the only way these guys are getting dealt is if the trade is a blockbuster. There are definitely some notable names in the group.

  • Mattias Ekholm, Nashville Predators: The best defenceman believed to be available, Ekholm makes just $3.75 million against the cap this season and next, making him affordable to any team.
  • Clayton Keller, Arizona Coyotes: As the Coyotes look to cut costs and rebuild their prospect and pick base, the 22-year-old Keller would be the player who could give them the best return on a single trade. He has been on a tear lately, though, and might prove too valuable to move in the end.
  • Sam Reinhart, Buffalo Sabres: On one hand, he could bring the Sabres a nice return to move on with, but on the other trading away players who are actually performing is a risky proposition for a team stuck in the mud.
  • Rasmus Ristolainen, Buffalo Sabres: Shot attempts are actually in Buffalo’s favour when he’s on the ice at 5-on-5 and he has a solid eight points in 17 games. He’s a $5.4 million blueliner and signed through another season. The Sabres may be motivated to move him before that deal expires and he’s free to explore signing elsewhere.
  • Travis Dermott, Toronto Maple Leafs: The Leafs need defensive depth, so giving up Dermott would present its own risk that could be offset by a specific, possibly high end, target.
  • Vince Dunn, St. Louis Blues: He’s a young (24) puck-mover with an affordable contract and controllable beyond this season. Most teams would be happy to have him within their top four.
  • Anthony Mantha, Detroit Red Wings: The Wings are one of those teams considering all of its options and while we’d assume it’d be extremely hard, if not impossible, to pry Dylan Larkin out of there, Mantha could be a different story.
  • Shayne Gostisbehere, Philadelphia Flyers: An up and down NHL career has brought us to this point where at 27, Gostisbehere is a bit of a project with tantalizing upside for a team looking to bolster its blue line.

The Cult of Hockey’s Bruce McCurdy recently suggested that the Edmonton Oilers explore bringing Boston Bruins winger Jake DeBrusk home to Alberta in return for tough guy Zack Kassian and had this to say on the topic,

  • “The Edmonton native has slumped badly in Boston, where he has just 1 goal in 17 games this season after scoring just once in his final 14 games of 2019-20. He has a year and a half remaining on the two-year deal he signed last fall at an AAV of $3.675 million. That puts him in the range of Kassian’s $3.2 million cap hit, albeit for two fewer years. From the perspective of contract for contract in the salary cap era, “the money works”.

NHL Trade Talk’s Jim Parsons commented on the DeBrusk/Kassian proposal over at his own site thusly,

  • “Would Edmonton be willing to part with a budding blue line prospect like Caleb Jones or a later-round draft pick along with Kassian to make it work? DeBrusk is a player that could go on a tear if he’s paired with the right center. That said, this theoretical move isn’t without its risks.”

According to Shug McSween over at nhltraderumors.me, the Calgary Flames recently tried to lowball the Anaheim Ducks in a trade that allegedly had Sam Bennett being offered for Rickard Rackell. McSween says that Anaheim was also looking for a 2nd round pick in the package.

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(3/11/21) BLH’s NHL Trade Rumors Friedman Edition

BLH provides you with the latest NHL news, rumors, and speculation featuring the latest from hockey’s premiere insider, Elliotte Friedman.

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

  • There’s some interest among the NHL in Vancouver Canucks forward Tyler Motte. In addition to him, teams have been asking about the availability of defenceman Nate Schmidt.
  • The Colorado Avalanche might’ve been the team that had interest in Buffalo Sabres goaltender Jonas Johansson.
  • There’s some speculation that the Winnipeg Jets could trade for hometown boy, Travis Hamonic.
  • The Calgary Flames have been in talks with the Nashville Predators in an attempt to address their need for a right-handed shooter.
  • The Carolina Hurricanes, Colorado Avalanche, and Washington Capitals are rumoured to be in the market for a goaltender as of late.
  • The Detroit Red Wings are considering “all options” but Dylan Larkin is considered “untouchable” as expected.
  • It might not be something that happens until the off-season, but Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Elvis Merzlikins makes sense for the Edmonton Oilers long-term for the Edmonton Oilers.
  • The Toronto Maple Leafs have been rumoured to be in on Filip Forsberg, Mattias Ekholm, Mikael Granlund, Eric Staal, and Marc Staal in the last week.
  • The inconsistent Philadelphia Flyers’ plans for the trade deadline will depend upon their play in their next seven games against Washington, the Rangers and Islanders.
  • On Jack Eichel: “I don’t think he’s going anywhere right now.”
  • “As for trades, the Sabres are wide open for business. They are listening on just about everything they’ve got. I think they’re considering a “with Eichel” future and a “non-Eichel” future, but I don’t think that’s imminent, especially now with the injury. If they decide to go that way (non-Eichel), it’ll be around the draft.”

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(3/9/21) BLH’s NHL Trade Rumors PM Edition

BLH provides you with the latest NHL news, rumors, and speculation featuring Jonathan Bernier (DET), Ryan Murray (NJ), Viktor Arvidsson (NSH), 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.

Here’s a bit of potentially bad news for Oilers fans.

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NHL Rumors and Speculation

Murat Ates (The Athletic) recently listed out a group of defencemen he thought would be potential trade targets for the Winnipeg Jets this year. Here are five of them,

  • Mattias Ekholm (NSH) – “If the Jets are all-in on maximizing their opportunity in all four seasons of Scheifele and Hellebuyck’s current contracts, Ekholm could be a big help.”
  • David Savard (CBJ) – “If the Blue Jackets continue to drift out of the playoff picture, Columbus could move him for a package built around futures — exactly what Winnipeg is most equipped to give.”
  • Ryan Murray (NJ) – “He hasn’t fit in particularly well, looking uncomfortable and posting unimpressive numbers in a pairing with P.K. Subban… He’s not the bruiser that Savard is or Ekholm can be, but he has made plays and moved pucks, helping keep a clean defensive zone while contributing on offence.”
  • Alex Goligoski (ARI) – “Goligoski has a good relationship with Jets captain Blake Wheeler. The two were teammates for two seasons at the University of Minnesota and have shared a round of golf or two in recent years.”
  • Brandon Montour (BUF) – “If Winnipeg feels like it can extricate Montour from a difficult situation with the Sabres, perhaps there is a productive future ahead of him.”

David Pagnotta (The Fourth Period) says there’s one player from the Nashville Predators who’s not having the greatest season but will get a lot of teams calling on him.

  • “One scorer generating interest out of Nashville, outside of Filip Forsberg – I believe the astronomical and well-earned asking price will drive away some potential suitors – is Viktor Arvidsson.”
  • “He gets the benefit of the doubt this season because almost everybody on Nashville is struggling and his $4.25 million cap hit is manageable. I expect several teams to go after him and given the Preds’ willingness to listen, a trade before the deadline could be in the cards.”

Jim Parsons (NHL Trade Talk) is of the belief that the Edmonton Oilers could target a top-six winger, a bottom-six center, and a no.1 goalie leading to the trade deadline in April. These are the candidates he’s talking about,

  • Darcy Kuemper (ARI) – “He’s going to be expensive, so the Oilers will have to give to get but he would be a big step up and offer the Oilers a more proven option in net. I think the Dwayne Roloson addition in 2006 when I think of a player like Kuemper being added to this lineup.”
  • Luke Glendening (DET) – “Glendening could be to the Oilers this season what Riley Sheahan was to the Oilers last season. A depth center who is older but has a ton of useful tools, he wouldn’t cost a lot of acquire but he could help on faceoffs and on the penalty kill.”
  • Rickard Rakell (ANA) – “He won’t be a cheap get and the Ducks will want something good in return, but the Oilers have assets. They could move their 2021 first-round selection or a player like Caleb Jones, William Lagesson.”

Allan Mitchel aka Lowetide (The Athletic) suggests that the Edmonton Oilers and the Detroit Red Wings could get together and make a trade that would see a goalie to share the net with Mike Smith and a right-handed faceoff ace head to Edmonton in return for a package that includes shaky Finnish giant Mikko Koskinen.

  • “Max Bultman wrote a thoughtful trade deadline piece on the Red Wings for The Athletic, and there’s a fit for Edmonton.If we are guessing along with Ken Holland, and a goalie upgrade plus a checking centre are the targets, the Red Wings could be a big part of Edmonton’s deadline for the second season in a row. Detroit’s top goalie is Jonathan Bernier, who has a .926 five-on-five save percentage this year. That’s close to Smith’s total (.932) in Edmonton this year.

    Luke Glendening is having a strong season in a two-way role and can win faceoffs (he is the league’s best this year). He’s less than ideal offensively as a No. 3 centre, but the other elements required for the job are there.

    Bernier’s cap hit (he’s a free agent this summer) is $3 million. Glendening (also an upcoming free agent) is $1.8 million.

    Could Holland package Koskinen, a depth centre and a worthwhile prospect to the Red Wings for that package?”

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