Tag Archives: LA Kings

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

(3/23/21) BLH’s NHL Trade Rumors: “Evgeni Kuznetsov trade possibilities…”

BLH provides you with the latest NHL news, rumors, and speculation featuring Evgeni Kuznetsov (WAS), Dustin Brown (LA), Niklas Hjalmarsson (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.

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NHL Rumors and Speculation

Larry Brooks (NY Post) wonders if New Jersey Devils $9M right-shot defender might have some interest from other clubs at this year’s trade deadline or prior,

  • “The Spirit of 76 has one year with a $9 million cap hit remaining on his deal. If the Devils retain half, contenders with needs on the right side of the blue line could do much worse than acquiring Subban.”

Emily Sadler of Sportsnet:  Mattias Ekholm emerging as one of the top defensive trade targets has been established. Now, where could he end up? The Jake Muzzin deal sets the bar but again the where is far from set.

  • Toronto Maple Leafs: Toronto seems to be involved in everything but they do need defense and/or goaltending insurance. Ekholm would be especially helpful but a deal would have to be done in the next week or so. A pure rental makes more sense but Ekholm gives Toronto three left-handed anchors for defense.
  • Philadelphia Flyers:  Again, when Matt Niskanen retired, it left a huge void on the defensive corps. At first, the Flyers were able to hide their deficiencies but now they cannot. Giving up 25 goals in the last five games makes a deal more likely. Ekholm’s term helps here at a reasonable rate for Philadelphia. The Flyers have enough prospects to sweeten any deal for the Nashville defenseman.
  • Montreal Canadiens:  Montreal’s roller coaster of a season continues at breakneck speed. Marc Bergevin remains unafraid to pull off another bold move or three. With the Ben Chiarot injury, a spot has opened up. Unfortunately, cap space is an issue as it is for most teams. Montreal possesses a wealth of draft picks — 14 in 2021, and seven in 2022. Does Montreal add Artturi Lehkonen as well?
  • Boston Bruins:  Ekholm is one of those defensemen who can boost scoring a little bit while playing mostly excellent defense in a tougher top-four role. The problem for the Bruins is that teams know Boston has one of the worst prospect pools in the NHL. A player may have to go the other way. Jake DeBrusk is the name bandied about as a possible return for Nashville.
  • Winnipeg Jets:  Winnipeg has the pieces to make a Jake Muzzin like deal according to Murat Ates via Adam Vingan of The Athletic. The problem is that other teams could offer a better package for Ekholm. Cap issues are there as well. However, adjustments can be made for the Nashville defenseman.

J.J. Regan of NBC Sports Washington (mailbag):  A flat salary cap remains for the next few seasons. The Washington Capitals need a center. It was something Washington did not address during the draft or free agency last year. They have a nice core of four centers with the big club but little or nothing else after that. A dollar-in, dollar-out deal to deliver a depth center seems unlikely.

Evgeni Kuznetsov trade possibilities rise a little but not until after the season. During the season makes little sense for the Washington Capitals. As for the expansion draft, stay tuned as Washington will try to steer certain deals to Seattle. A Vegas-like sequel will not happen again.

Rick Carpiniello of The Athletic: The New York Rangers would definitely be interested in Jack Eichel if he becomes available. That would be more of an offseason move, if at all. They will likely be sellers, but do have some assets/draft picks they could move for the right player.

Chris Johnston of Sportsnet, feels the Toronto Maple Leafs are talking trade for a defenseman to fill out their d-core and provide them some more insurance as they head into the playoffs. Candidates include: Nik Hjalmarsson (ARI), Marc Staal (DET), Jari Hakanpaa (ANA), and David Savard (CBJ).

Dennis Bernstein (The Fourth Period) says that that LA Kings are getting interest on veterans Dustin Brown and Jonathan Quick.

  • “One team is an obvious landing spot for Brown – the New York Islanders, who were on the wrong end of a body blow when captain Anders Lee’s season ended with an ACL injury. Brown isn’t Lee, but what he is, is the most affordable and likely gettable player on the market. He’s not the only option for the Islanders (Kyle Palmieri, Mikael Granlund, Taylor Hall), but is having the best season of any options. “
  • The other player who has drawn attention is at the other end of the spectrum, goaltender Jonathan Quick. Though the Los Angeles net has not been handed over to Cal Petersen by Todd McLellan, the younger netminder is clearly the better goaltender. Some say that Quick is done and isn’t close to the Conn Smythe winner he once was and they’re right. “

Jimmy Murphy (Boston Hockey Now) recently reported multiple sources claiming the Bruins are scouting Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman David Savard. GM Don Sweeney is also continuing to monitor the situation with Ekholm and St. Louis Blues rearguard Vince Dunn. The Predators and Blues recently scouted the Bruins.

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(3/23/21) BLH’s NHL Trade Rumors Quick Hits Edition

BLH provides you with the latest NHL news, rumors, and speculation featuring Jack Eichel (BUF), Frederik Andersen (TOR), Dylan Strome (CHI), 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

Renaud Lavoie (TVA Sports) is reporting that the ask for Buffalo Sabres captain Jack Eichel is at least four first round draft picks be they players that were once selected in the first round of the NHL draft or are future selections.

David Pagnotta (The Fourth Period) says the LA Kings have spoken to the Toronto Maple Leafs about goalie Jonathan Quick but nothing is imminent on that front. The belief is that Buds netminder Frederik Andersen would go the other way if a trade is finalized.

Elliotte Friedman (Sportsnet) counters the Quick to Toronto claims by saying that he doesn’t think it’s happening because he believes the Maple Leafs don’t think it’s viable.

  • The Vancouver Canucks have been taking calls on Travis Hamonic, Jordie Benn, Tanner Pearson (before injury), and Brandon Sutter. They’re gauging the market but in wait-and-see mode with their playoff status
  • Things have changed in Columbus as they’ve caught Chicago for the fourth and final playoff spot in their division which probably means David Savard and Nick Foligno might not get dealt. If Columbus stays in it and hold their UFAs, that changes the market.

TSN1200: Calgary Flames GM Brad Treliving on his club’s potential trade deadline plans,

“I’m certainly not looking to spend high draft or prospect capital for rental players, but if there’s a way to help our team, that’s what we’ll continue to do. I’m not in a position where I need to be spending those types of assets on a rental.”

Daily Faceoff Podcast: Carolina Hurricanes GM Don Waddell on what his club might be looking for ahead of the trade deadline,

“A right-shot defender would be something I’ve asked around about and another top-nine forward potentially. We’re also looking at all our positions from a depth standpoint.”

Andrew Gross (Newsday) has speculated recently on whether or not the the New York Islanders will pursue New Jersey Devils winger Kyle Palmieri before the trade deadline.

Larry Brooks (NY Post) has suggested that the New York Rangers keep Russian winger Pavel Buchnevich at $5.5M AAV for 4-5 years.

John Hoven (Mayor’s Manor) expects the LA Kings to retain Alex Iafallo’s services and sees him staying in LA. To date, not serious contract talks have taken place and nothing is imminent. Most signs point to a deal being announced later down the road.

Kevin Kurz (The Athletic) Patrick Marleau would definitely consider a trade to a contender if the opportunity arises but he’s not actively looking for it. His goal is still to win a Stanley Cup.

The Athletic says a league source has informed them that the Chicago Blackhawks aren’t shopping center Dylan Strome but they are willing to entertain offers for Connor McDavid’s former junior linemate.

Max Bultman (The Athletic) says if healthy, forward Tyler Bertuzzi will have a ton of appeal for buyers at the trade deadline.

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

(3/21/21) BLH’s NHL Trade Rumors: MOCK TRADES!!!

BLH provides you with the latest NHL news, rumors, and speculation featuring some trade proposals courtesy of The Athletic that include players like Jake DeBrusk (BOS), Jeff Skinner (BUF), Anthony Mantha (DET), Jack Eichel (BUF), 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 (and Mock Trades)

Harman Dayal of The Athletic (mailbag): Says that the Vancouver Canucks could target some players like Warren Foegele (CAR) or Ryan Graves (COL) in expansion draft trades as their respective teams find a way to complete their protection lists.

Dan Kingerski of Pittsburgh Hockey NOW: Wonders if the Penguins might try to pull off a more drastic trade now with Evgeni Malkin on the IR. He also speculates that Pittsburgh might have interest in Luke Glendening and Bobby Ryan (DET), Erik Haula (NSH), Cody Eakin (BUF), or Ryan Dzingel (OTT).

Joe Haggerty of Boston Hockey NOW (mailbag): Is of the belief that the Boston Bruins are in desperate need of some scoring and has thrown out names like Taylor Hall (BUF), Rickard Rackell (ANA), and Kyle Palmieiri (NJ). He warns though, those players may have a buyer beware tag on them.

Shawn Simpson: The Ottawa Senators should be looking to find a Marc Methot-type partner for Thomas Chabot this offseason.

Sportsnet: Chris Johnston said that Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames may not be that active at the trade deadline. The Winnipeg Jets have already made a big move but are a wild card team.

Kevin Bieksa (Sportsnet): Says the Tyson Barrie should do whatever it takes to stay with the Edmonton Oilers,

“When you’re a free agent, you gotta find a team that’s a good fit for you. … You look at it with Barrie, it’s just a good fit. The way he plays, he likes to handle the puck, he likes to be offensive, jump in the play, he’s good on the power play, he’s a right hand shot, which is also important for McDavid and Draisailt. He checks a lot of the boxes, he’s having a lot of success.”

Here are SOME of the promised mock trades courtesy of The Athletic!

What do you think of those proposals? Let us know in the comments below!

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(2/26/21) BLH’s NHL Trade Rumors Quick Hits Edition

BLH provides you with the latest NHL news, rumors, and speculation featuring Jeff Skinner (BUF), Jonathan Quick (LA), Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (EDM), and many 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

  • Darren Dreger says if the Buffalo Sabres continue to struggle, he can’t imagine the Eichel Situation not being revisited around the trade deadline or in the offseason.
  • Dreger also says that the LA Kings are on the lookout for a defenseman under the age of 25. More specifically a dynamic, left-shot d-man.
  • The Nashville Predators would prefer to be more active on the trade front rather than fire their head coach says Dreger.
  • There was a Jonathan Quick rumor that popped up a couple of weeks ago that was quickly shot down by the Kings. It went hand-in-hand with the Pittsburgh Penguins hiring of Ron Hextall according to Dreger.
  • Elliotte Friedman believes that the seat is “hot” for Montreal Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin right now as his team continues to slump and fall down the standings in the North Division.
  • Friedman also thinks that the Pittsburgh Penguins were trying to acquire goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury through another team and were of the belief that they were close to getting him.
  • The Calgary Flames really tried to get in the talks for Pierre-Luc Dubois and if there is a substantial player available, GM Brad Treliving will probably be involved says Friedman.
  • Friedman also says the Nashville Predators are willing to listen to offers on defenseman Dante Fabbro and winger Filip Forsberg, but it’d take a lot to trade them.
  • The LA Kings aren’t expected to be buyers at the trade deadline says Friedman. GM Rob Blake intends to stay the course and continue the rebuild plan.
  • Ryan Nugent-Hopkins wants to stay with the Oilers, Connor McDavid wants him to stay, and the GM Ken Holland would like to get him under contract, but according to Elliotte Friedman, the economic landscape is going to present the biggest challenge.
  • Continuing with Friedman, he said he heard there was a team looking for a goalie this year and Buffalo’s Jonas Johansson was named. He’ll be a UFA at season’s end since he hasn’t yet played 30 games.
  • The Carolina Hurricanes have begun preliminary contract extension talks with head coach Rod Brind’Amour according to Pierre LeBrun and a lot of clubs are keeping an eye on the negotiations, especially the Seattle Kraken.
  • LeBrun also reports that there isn’t a single NHL team that hasn’t heard from Vancouver Canucks GM Jim Benning over the last couple of weeks and he’s looking for a top-9 forward aged 25 or younger that can fit in with the Canucks young core.
  •  Frank Seravalli says legendary goaltender Henrik Lundqvist is a “long-shot” to play this year, but he’s not yet considering retirement.
  • Lance Lysowski reports that Jeff Skinner’s agent Don Meehan had a lengthy conversation with Sabres GM Kevyn Adams on Wednesday and concerns were expressed Skinner was a healthy scratch again last night vs. New Jersey.
  • The Ottawa Senators will get a boost on its back-end before the year is out as it’s being reported by Shawn Simpson that Jacob Bernard-Docker will “absolutely be turning pro” when his season at North Dakota (NCAA) concludes.

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Could the Oilers Get Quick-er This Season? Plus More NHL Rumors!

BLH provides you with the latest NHL news, rumors, and speculation featuring Jonathan Quick (LA), Markus Granlund (NSH), Rasmus Sandin (TOR), 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

David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period is of the belief that long-time LA Kings net guardian Jonathan Quick might be on his way out this season as he’s been vastly outplayed by newcomer Cal Petersen.

“Are in seeing a changing of the guard in Los Angeles? Cal Petersen has played in five straight games for the Kings – six of the team’s last seven games – and his numbers have been significantly better than those of veteran, two-time Stanley Cup champ Jonathan Quick.

In eight games this season, Petersen has a 2.49 GAA and a .926 save percentage. Quick, in six games, has a 4.05 GAA and an .867 save percentage. Cal’s also nine years younger than Quick.

Quick has two years left on his contract after this season and comes with a $5.8 million salary cap hit. The Kings have the most salary cap space in the NHL, so moving him isn’t due to finances. I’ll be interested to see if teams call Kings GM Rob Blake leading up to the April 12 trade deadline about the veteran netminder. And even if Quick stays in L.A., I’d be surprised if Petersen is exposed in the July expansion draft.”

BLH’s Thoughts: Now, is it just me or are we about to witness a race to see who can upgrade their goaltending first between the Oilers and the Pittsburgh Penguins?

Those numbers aren’t pretty for Quick but I do wonder if the Oilers, who have some personnel stationed in California, will make a play for him should they find their goaltending needs to be upgraded. They could offer Mikko Koskinen or Mike Smith or even Stuart Skinner if they feel his future lies away from the organization. 

After the Toronto Maple Leafs found a way to lose a game they were leading 5-1 to one of the NHL’s worst teams, the lowly Ottawa Senators, James Mirtle penned a piece detailing how the club may dip their toes into the trade waters and dropped a few names based on Elliotte Friedman’s comment above.

Mirtle says that there are three things that need to happen in order for the Buds to make the right deal,

1. A forward who can play top-six minutes, with good players, produce offensively and not be a drain defensively.

2. A team that is out of the playoff race and looking to shed talent for futures rather than roster players.

3. A player without a huge salary, given the Leafs’ cap constraints.

And there’s one player that comes to the mind of The Athletic’s no.1 man,

“But the consensus among sources around the league seems to be that one player who fits that description and whom the Leafs like is winger Mikael Granlund, who will become available if the 6-9-0 Predators continue to drop games.

Granlund was one of the NHL’s unrestricted free agents impacted by the flat cap, as he hung around unsigned well past the October opening of free agency. He ultimately didn’t get a contract until late December when he inked a one-year deal for $3.75 million to go back to a team where he had struggled mightily to produce.”

Mr. Mirtle then went on to say that Toronto was one of the teams that showed a lot of interest in the Finnish forward but simply didn’t have the funds to make it happen.

BLH’s Thoughts: Granlund has seven points in twelve games and sits -2 on the year for a predators team that is in one helluva funk. Bottom line with this player is that he was brought in to use as trade fodder later on in the season if Nashville wasn’t looking like a playoff club, which they aren’t.

If I was in their GM’s chair, I’d be asking for Toronto’s 1st rounder or some package that would net me Rasmus Sandin. My feeling though, to make the money work, is that they’ll be offering Alex Kerfoot.

Speaking of available Finns, I think Erik Haula will be on the move too. Now, there’s another player the Oilers have had interest in and with how Kyle Turris is shitting the bed (played just over 6 minutes last night), would Edmonton make a deal for the fleet-footed centerman?

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