Tag Archives: Florida Panthers

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

2023/24 Edmonton Oilers GM16: Oilers @ Panthers – 3P2W – I’ll Take Your Garbage if You Take Mine

Hey y’all! Welcome back for another season of Edmonton Oilers hockey! I’m BLH and I’ll be giving you the skinny on today’s game!

If you’re new here and are wondering what 3P2W means, well, it stands for Three Players to Watch and seeing I’m as lazy as I am, I figured we’d shorten it to 3P2W.

So with that out of the way, let’s talk a little bit about what’s been going on lately in the Oilogospehere and then get into the player’s I’ve put under the spotlight for today’s matchup!

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Random Pontifications

You will have read that the Edmonton Oilers have kicked tires in Montreal as they search for a potential partner for Stuart Skinner in goal. While I believe that is true, I also think Ken Holland has looked around the league for a solution. With the cap situation the way it is in Edmonton, I think the more likely development here is two teams, each with goalies who “need a second opinion, swapping netminders in the hopes that new surrounding help them both. – Kurt Leavins, Cult of Hockey

  • This makes a bit of sense in one aspect but fails to address the fact that Edmonton will need to find a team that’ll take Campbell’s deal AND/or buy him out. The feeling I get is that there won’t be many suitors willing to bury Campbell in the minors and have him sewer their AHL team. So the buyout is key.
  • Woodguy on Twitter suggests it’ll take the equivalent to THREE first round picks to get somebody to bite on the Campbell trade and buyout scheme and he used Patrick Marleau as an example. He had a shade over $3M left on his contract when Toronto paid Carolina one first rounder to take him in a trade and buy him out.
  • Jack Campbell is $9M in real dollars to buy out next summer, so you can see the math done there.
  • Are there any teams out there that will have a shit ton of cap space next year as well as a very poor team?
  • Maybe Chicago and San Jose are the only teams that’ll be both.
  • Other teams potentially in that range are Anaheim, Minnesota, Columbus, Calgary, Nashville, and Montreal.
  • So Edmonton might be able to get into conversations about John Gibson, MA Fleury, Elvis Merzlikins, Dan Vladar/Jacob Markstrom, Jussi Saros, or the three in Montreal (Allen, Montembault, Primeau) if they want a goalie back in the same trade.
  • Petr Mrazek was in Detroit for a while but Chicago gave him a M-NTC… San Jose has Kahkonen and Blackwood but I’m not sure that Edmonton would want to hang their playoff aspirations on either of those guys this year.

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Three Players to Watch for the Bad Guys

  • #19 Matthew Tkachuk (3g 14a 17pts) – I think it’s just a given that Tkachuk will find a way to get his nose into the thick of things as he’s always done against the Oilers. That said, Evander Kane sent him crying out of Calgary. Might we see a similar spot of embarrassment in this game too?
  • #13 Sam Reinhart (13g 11a 24pts) – NINE points in his last five games. This guy’s on a heater and there’s nothing suggesting that will stop against Edmonton’s porous defense.
  • #91 Oliver Ekman-Larsson (5g 6a 11pts) – The OEL resurgence continues! He’s been holding the fort down on FLA’s defense while Eklbad and Montour have been out of the lineup and doing a fine job at it no less. At least from a production standpoint.

Three Players to Watch for the Good Guys

  • #28 Connor Brown (0g 0a 0pts) – I’m going to advise we watch Brown for a second consecutive game. He had a decent outing against Tampa with sheltered minutes as Knobby eased him into his return. I’m wondering if Brown might get some elevated TOI in this one which could result in him getting his name on the score sheet.
  • #18 Zach Hyman (8g 7a 15pts) – Returning to where it all began, how will he respond? He’s got 16 points in 20 career games vs the team that drafted him in the 5th round of the 2010 draft.
  • #30 Calvin Pickard – I don’t know if he’s actually starting but I’ve got a feeling the Oilers don’t have much of a choice at this point than to give Stuart Skinner a rest. A good showing will take some pressure off of Edmonton’s management as they pursue a new goaltender to share the net with Skinner though.
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Armchair GM, Beer League Hero, Edmonton Oilers, NHL, Rumors

(3/20/21) BLH’s NHL Trade Rumors: Erik Gudbranson Being Linked to the Oilers?

BLH provides you with the latest NHL news, rumors, and speculation featuring Erik Gudbranson (OTT), Barrett Hayton (ARI), Jonathan Quick (LA), 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

  • Chris Johnston (Sportsnet) says that the Toronto Maple Leafs may be a front-rummer for Nashville Predators d-man Mattias Ekholm.
  • Kevin Weekes (NHL.com) reports that interest is heating up in veteran goaltenders Jonathan Quick (LA), Jonathan Berner (DET), and Devan Dubnyk (SJ).
  • The Fourth Period believes the Colorado Avalanche have been linked to Columbus Blue Jackets captain Nick Foligno.
    • They’re also saying that the Vegas Golden Knights, Colorado Avalanche, St. Louis Blues, Boston Bruins, and Pittsburgh Penguins are being linked to Detroit Red Wings forward Bobby Ryan.
    • TFP reckons the Philadelphia Flyers, Winnipeg Jets, and Montreal Canadiens have been linked to Columbus Blue Jackets defender David Savard.
    • The Buffalo Sabres are apparently interested in Jake Virtanen (VAN) and the Maple Leafs are looking at Luke Glendening (DET) according to the rumor site.
    • Erik Gudbranson (OTT) is garnering some interest from the Montreal Canadiens and Edmonton Oilers.
    • The New York Islanders could be looking at Anaheim Ducks winger Rickard Rackell.
  • Shawn Simpson (Sportsnet) says there isn’t much of a trade market for Ottawa Senators forward Ryan Dzingel and suggests that “maybe” the Sens could get a 4th or a 5th round pick for him.
  • Bruce Garrioch (Post Media) has been by Ottawa GM Pierre Dorion that it should be a “very quiet” trade deadline this season.
  • Pierre LeBrun (The Athletic) thinks that the idea of Taylor Hall signing an extension in Buffalo is “out the window”.
    • The Islanders and Maple Leafs are two teams to watch in the Nick Foligno sweepstakes.
  • Mike Johnston (Sportsnet) believes the Leafs, Avalanche, Panthers, Bruins, and Islanders could be potential destinations for Taylor Hall.
  • Elliotte Friedman (Sportsnet) says some Maple Leafs targets are unavailable until teams figure out if they can sign them to an extension (Kyle Palmieri (NJ), Alex Iafallo (LA))
    • He’s not convinced the Flyers will be “big players” for Predators d-man Mattias Ekholm.
  • The Athletic have added Maple Leafs defenseman Timothy Liljgren and Arizona Coyotes forward Barrett Hayton to their trade bait board.
  • Joe Smith (The Athletic): Tampa Bay Lightning GM Julien Brisbois says it’s “realistically unlikely” the Lightning will add a player by this season’s trade deadline. “We literally have zero cap space.”
  • JD Burke (Elite Prospects) is reporting that as many as six teams were prepared to offer Matt Kiersted (UND) and ELC last season. He says nothing is imminent but at least 20 teams are offering a contract this season.
    • The Edmonton Oilers are looking at UND netminder Adam Scheel.
  • Frank Seravalli (TSN) is reporting that the Nashville Predators and Anaheim Ducks are not willing to retain salary in any trades involving defender Mattias Ekholm and forward Rickard Rakell respectively.
  • Bob McKenzie (NBC) is of the belief that Jason Karmanos is the leading contender for the AGM job in Buffalo. “Somebody is going to be hired as AGM before they get to hiring a new head coach.”
    • He also said that the New York Rangers will continue to build towards the future and if there’s a hockey deal out there, GM Jeff Gorton can make one. McKenzie also added that prospect Nils Lundqvist is probably due to join the NYR in the fall.
  • Eric Engels (Sportsnet) has sources telling him that the decision for defensive prospect Jordan Harris to sign with the Montreal Canadiens is in the player’s hands and an announcement could come as soon as this weekend.
  • Darren Dreger (TSN) says early next week it’s expected that Edmonton Oilers GM Ken Holland will engage in preliminary discussions with UFAs Adam Larsson and Tyson Barrie, as well as, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.

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

(3/8/21) BLH’s NHL Trade Rumors: “Maybe a move of this significance makes more sense…”

BLH provides you with the latest NHL news, rumors, and speculation featuring Nick Foligno (CBJ), Johnny Gaudreau (CGY), David Savard (CBJ), Brett Connolly (FLA), and more!

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. 

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.

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

NHL Rumors and Speculation

Steve Simmons (Toronto Sun): Reckons the Toronto Maple Leafs could go after long-time Columbus Blue Jacket captain and son of former Leaf Mike Foligno, Nick Foligno.

  • “The Leafs have next to no salary cap room. In order to acquire anyone — the name Nick Foligno keeps popping up — they would have to move other assets and money, certainly Alex Kerfoot for example, maybe one of the young defencemen Rasmus Sandin or Timothy Liljegren, maybe the young sniper Nick Robertson, maybe an early-round draft pick.”

Scott Burnside (The Athletic): Says changes in Calgary are unlikely to stop with the coaches and there could be more on the horizon.

  • “Gaudreau is off to an impressive start and has another year on his deal, so an acquiring team would get two playoff runs if they can get a deal together (even if Gaudreau’s playoff performances in recent years have left much to be desired). Maybe a move of this significance makes more sense in the offseason, but with uncertainty surrounding the 2021 draft, it would seem GM Brad Treliving has to keep all his options open if he’s going to undertake the kind of critical roster moves we’ve seen teams like St. Louis and Washington make prior to winning Stanley Cups.”

Murat Ates (The Athletic): Says the Winnipeg Jets should go after Columbus defender David Savard as opposed to Matthias Ekholm of the Nashville Predators,

  • “Savard is perhaps the ideal construction for a Jets addition. He’s big, strong, rugged and plays in a shutdown capacity for the Blue Jackets, throwing hits, blocking shots and — this is the big one — shutting down quality chances against from prime real estate.”

Josh Yohe (The Athletic): Has d-man Marcus Pettersson and Colton Sceviour (recently waived) in his “I Smell a Trade” category for the Pittsburgh Penguins,

  • “It’s hardly a given that Pettersson will be dealt, but I could absolutely see it happening. For what he brings to the table, I think he’s a bit too expensive. Other teams would be interested. And things are mighty crowded on the left side.”
  • “I don’t get the sense that the coaching staff is enamored with his work. But if there’s a team out there looking for a 12th or 13th forward, you could do worse than this guy. He just doesn’t seem to be fitting in.”

David Pagnotta (The Fourth Period): Is of the belief that the New York Islanders are on the hunt for an upgrade on their 3rd line and there are some rumors connecting them to the Florida Panthers,

  • “There was some chatter circulating about the Islanders and Florida Panthers discussing a swap of Komarov for Brett Connolly, but the Panthers would need to retain a portion of Connolly’s deal or take on another contract in order to make this work. So far, it hasn’t.”

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Classic Captain Wendel taking care of business once more! Click the pic and grab a shirt for yourself!
Armchair GM, Beer League Hero, Edmonton Oilers, NHL, Rumors

(2/27/21) BLH’s NHL Trade Rumors Quick Hits Edition

BLH provides you with the latest NHL news, rumors, and speculation featuring Elias Pettersson (VAN), Chris Driedger (FLA), Marc Bergevin (MTL), John Tortorella (CBJ), and more!

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. 

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.

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

NHL Rumors and Speculation

  • Pierre LeBrun (TSN): reports that the Seattle Kraken are probably keeping their eyes on Florida Panthers goaltende Chris Driedger as he’ll likely be an expansion draft casualty.
    • When Claude Julien was hired by the Montreal Canadiens, it was believed by many that Gerard Gallant was the backup option on GM Marc Bergeving’s list.
  • Mike Johnston (TSN): Says that this will be Montreal Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin’s last coaching hire. The next firing will be his own and he’s certainly aware of that.
  • Darren Dreger (TSN): There was a rumor of a Jonathan Quick Trade going around recently, but the Los Angeles Kings quickly denied it.
    • The Pittsburgh Penguins were in the market for a goaltender a few weeks ago, but things are unclear on that front at this point.
    • John Tortorella is the next head coach that could be on the hot seat.
    • Nothing new on the status of Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews as of late.
  • Thomas Drance (The Athletic): Prior to Elias Pettersson switching agents and joining Quinn Hughes at CAA, negotiations had been virtually nonexistent between the Vancouver Canucks and their two franchise players.
  • Elliotte Friedman (Sportsnet): Buffalo has made defenseman Brandon Montour available. He will be a UFA this summer.
    • There were reports out of Russia last week that the Chicago Blackhawks and Detroit Red Wings were chasing Damir Zhafyarov, but they’re not the only teams according to Friedman.
    • Chances of the NHL entry draft being delayed took a turn for the worse last week. The biggest issues were rights retention, service years for arbitration/free agency, unsigned players drafted from CHL re-entering in two years, etc.
    • The Arizona Coyotes have considered dealing for Vancouver Canucks winger Tanner Pearson if he becomes available, but there’s no indication that he is or will become available. Vancouver hasn’t put him on the trade block but if he does head there he’ll be a priority for Arizona.

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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!
Classic Captain Wendel taking care of business once more! Click the pic and grab a shirt for yourself!
NHL

(2/6/2021) – BLH’s NHL Rumors PM Edition: “The Golden Knights are said to be showing interest in…”

BLH provides you with the latest NHL news, rumors, and speculation featuring Brett Connolly (FLA), Sam Bennett (CGY), Jake Virtanen (VAN), 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. 

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

NHL Rumors and Speculation

  • Chris Johnston (Sportsnet): Says the Toronto Maple Leafs are interested in Calgary Flames forward Sam Bennett.
    • “I think even the Leafs have some level of interest in Sam Bennett. I don’t know if they have the right piece to send back that would make that kind of trade palatable, but there are teams out there kicking tires naturally on a 24-year-old player.”
  • Jason Gregor (TSN1260): Wonders if Edmonton Oilers defenseman Oscar Klefbom might be exempt from the upcoming expansion draft,
  • Jason Brough (TSN1040): Is of the belief that Vancouver Canucks GM Jim Benning’s time with the club could be coming to an end thanks to his horrid off-season.
    • “This isn’t about a 1 week stretch of free agency where Jim Benning had to make some decisions It’s because of the things Benning did before….most of the damage that has been done is fully self-inflicted The chickens are coming home to roost”
  • Sartaaj Bhullar (The Hockey Writers): Proposes that the Vancouver Canucks and Calgary Flames make a 2-for-1 trade that would include Jake Virtanen and Adam Gaudette going to Southern Alberta in exchange for Sam Bennett.
  • NHLTradeRumors.me: Says the Florida Panthers and Vegas Golden Knights are working on a deal that could see Brett Connolly going to Sin City.
    • “The Golden Knights are said to be showing interest in acquiring Connolly, but a deal will not be completed until Alex Pietrangelo is back in the line-up.”
  • Bob McKenzie (NBC): Had this to say on the latest Tony DeAngelo speculation,
    • “Considering that DeAngelo has already cleared waivers as well, Detroit or L.A. could also convince New York to add a draft pick to the trade, while Anaheim may be more interested in the Rangers retaining some of DeAngelo’s $4.8MM salary.”

Give us a follow on the socials!

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!
Classic Captain Wendel taking care of business once more! Click the pic and grab a shirt for yourself!