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

(3/14/21) BLH’s NHL Trade Rumors PM Edition

BLH provides you with the latest NHL news, rumors, and speculation featuring Caleb Jones (EDM), Anton Khudobin (DAL), Taylor Hall (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

The Athletic recently updated their NHL trade deadline big board and had an interesting comment about an Edmonton Oilers target,

  • “If you’re a team such as the Edmonton Oilers, seeking a long-term goaltending solution, you could imagine a scenario under which they would surrender one of their multiple, young defensive prospects in order to bring the talented Merzlikins to town. How about Caleb Jones, which would give him a chance to play with his brother Seth in Columbus? It’d be even better if Columbus were to take back Mikko Koskinen in a larger version of the deal.”

BLH’s Thoughts: I think there are some rumblings that Seth Jones is far from happy in Columbus. Now I had to read between the lines a bit when I heard that. It wasn’t exactly broadcasted as bluntly as that, but one of the things that was suggested was getting Caleb Jones to Columbus in an attempt to smooth things over with Seth. 

Now, at the trade deadline the BJs will have over $7M in cap space available and we already know that if the Oilers are going to make a trade, it’ll have to be money in, money out. Koskinen makes $4.5M for another year after this… Any deal involving him will require a trade partner who will have the cap space to fit him in… 

Arthur Staple of the Athletic brought up the idea of the New York Islanders trading for struggling Buffalo Sabres winger Taylor Hall and threw out a trade proposal, 

  • “If the Islanders could somehow get the Sabres to take defenseman Thomas Hickey along with a first- or second-round pick (or two seconds), they’d be able to replace their top wing with the top wing available.”

With Anders Lee being placed on LTIR, that would free up the cap space to take on Hall’s contract.

BLH’s Thoughts: Reunited and it feels so good… That’s what Jordan Eberle would be singing as Hall walked into the Islanders dressing room. As for that suggested trade, it’s not bad. I’d have to imagine they’d like some more futures though. Maybe Simon Holmstrom plus a first in addition to Hickey? 

Aaron Portzline of The Athletic: (mailbag) There may be a mutual decision that John Tortorella may not be back with the Columbus Blue Jackets next season. Portzline also went on to give his thoughts on the idea of what it would take to get a no.1 center.

  • “If I’m the Blue Jackets, I pick a goaltender — either Korpisalo or Merzlikins — and build this roster around three pillars: the goalie, Laine and Seth Jones. I really, truly, honestly would not want to trade Zach Werenski because he’s a rare gem of a defenseman. But having two great defensemen may be a luxury they can’t afford if it’s a roster that doesn’t have an impact center. I’d do everything I could to not move Werenski. But the goaltender they trade isn’t likely to draw a top center all by himself.”

BLH’s Thoughts: I was kind of thinking this myself. Although I was wondering if it was Seth Jones that would be on the move. I think this team is going to lose the guts and heart this summer if Nick Foligno walks or is traded. They’re going to need a few players who possess the kind of leadership he provides if they don’t plan on sinking back to the bottom of the league, again. I wonder if they consider bringing in Bruce Boudreau if John Tortorella leaves… 

David Satriano (NHL.com): It looks like there’s trouble in paradise for defenseman Erik Karlssona and the San Jose Sharks. GM Doug Wilson said recently that it appears that they are heading for a “reset” and that didn’t sit well with the former Norris Trophy winner.

  • “Obviously, I did not sign here to go through a rebuild or go through what I did for 10 years in Ottawa. But it is what it is.”

BLH’s Thoughts: Oh my… I can’t see anybody taking on that albatross of a contract. Karlsson had best hope the Sharks have some amazing luck at the draft lottery. Maybe San Jose can get themselves a Shane Wright or William Eklund or both! Because that’s the kind of talent it’s going to take to right the ship in the Shark Tank. 

Matthew DeFranks (Dallasnews.com): Thinks that the Dallas Stars could trade goaltender Anton Khudobin instead of risking losing him to the Seattle Kraken at the expansion draft this summer.

  • “Trading Khudobin comes with a number of layers. The Stars will (likely) have Ben Bishop back by the trade deadline. Jake Oettinger has played well as a backup this season. If the Stars think Seattle selects Khudobin in the expansion draft, might they try to get something in return instead of coming away empty-handed? Landon Bow and Colton Point would still fulfill the goalie requirement for the expansion draft even without exposing Khudobin.”

BLH’s Thoughts: If the Stars are well on their way to a playoff-less season, they should be in fire sale mode with any impending free agents. Anything they can do to keep the cupboards full in their system is a plus in my mind. They can always circle back in the off-season to anybody they deal, right? And Khudobin has already established that he’s the kind of goalie you can depend on in the post-season. I would think a team like the Penguins would love to shore up their netminding given the slog they’re facing should they make the playoffs.

Anthony Scultore (Daily Goal Horn): Wrote about the idea of the Edmonton Oilers possibly trading for Taylor Hall before this year’s trade deadline,

  • “Thinking about reunions, how about Taylor Hall back in Edmonton? He never wanted to leave Edmonton and it looks like if the Oilers make a move they want it to be a big one.Ken Holland addressed the media and said this about the upcoming trade deadline. “If there is a player out there who we think can go into our lineup and have an impact more than depth, probably that is something I would look at.”What bigger impact player is available other than Taylor Hall. A player Connor McDavid is familiar with and could have a huge impact for them in the North Division.

    One thing is for certain, the Sabres are going to need to eat a large chunk of that salary to make it work. However cap gymnastics is something all these deadline teams will be doing come April 12.”

BLH’s Thoughts: Holland chased Hall last off-season before he chose Buffalo. I don’t think this is any breaking news to anybody. So the precedent is already there on this one. The Oilers are looking for a winger for Leon Draisaitl and the German played with Hall early on in his career with favorable results if I recall correctly. 

What kind of return would Buffalo expect though? I mean, people like to poke fun at the return Edmonton got for Hall, but Adam Larsson is by far the best thing any team has received in a trade for the former MVP and I’m thinking that the price tag won’t be that staggering. The Oiler have some prospects playing well in Bakersfield right now and are blessed with a number of good defensemen in their system. 

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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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(2/20/21) BLH’s NHL Trade Rumors: “”If I was in charge I wouldn’t do it.”

BLH provides you with the latest NHL news, rumors, and speculation featuring Taylor Hall (BUF), Ryan Getzlaf (ANA), Marc-Edouard Vlasic (SJ), and more!

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. 

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.

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

NHL Rumors and Speculation

  • Sportsnet: Luke Fox lays out seven impending UFAs that could be playoff rentals come trade deadline or earlier.
    • Taylor Hall – “The biggest name here by a mile, is eligible to sign an extension with the Sabres as early as March 12. His camp will entertain that idea… the same way Hall entertained the idea of re-signing in Arizona.”
    • Derek Stepan – “Who’d prefer to move back to the U.S., may be miscast as a top-six forward at this stage but could improve a playoff team’s 3C spot. Strong underlying numbers on a bad team.”
    • Brandon Montour – “A minus-7, is only 26. Surely the right-handed defender has better days ahead?”
    • Eric Staal – “Can submit a 10-team no-trade list. Centres are always in demand, and a $3.25-million cap hit could be workable.”
    • Marc Staal – “Need a dependable, stay-at-home defender? Make Steve Yzerman an offer.”
    • Mikael Granlund – “Could have more success sheltered on a good offensive team’s third line than trying to produce on a bad offensive team’s first line, as is the case now.”
    • Ryan Dzingel – “If the Leafs are willing to take risk on Alex Galchenyuk five years removed from his 30-goal season, surely someone will add Dzingel two years removed from his 26-goal season.”
  • The Instigators (WGR550): Elliotte Friedman and the hosts of The Instigators recently discussed the possibility of a trade between the San Jose Sharks and the Buffalo Sabres that would be based around Marc-Edouard Vlasic and Jeff Skinner.
    • “If I was in charge I wouldn’t do it. There’s a couple things to unpack here.No. 1 – Buffalo’s first-rounder if this goes the way it’s going this year is going to be a really high pick. I’m not trading that pick to move Jeff Skinner’s deal. I understand why an owner might think that is a good idea but if I was the general manager or if I was anybody who had influence with the owner, I would throw myself in front of a train to prevent that from happening.And the other thing I would just say is, if you’re San Jose’s owner, think about it from an owners point of view, who would you rather right checks for? Marc-Edouard Vlasic with his contract remaining or Jeff Skinner with his contract remaining? And keep in mind we’re in a pandemic.”
  • The Athletic: Nashville Predators CEO Sean Henry says everyone is confused and pissed off at the club with regards to where the team stands right now and hints that there could be change on the horizon.
    • “We’ll continue to look at where we are, but who this team is and what we can achieve is going to be laid out in front of us in a couple of weeks. If there was a need to change, then there would be an appetite for it.”
  • Pro Hockey Rumors: Gavin Lee says that Anaheim Ducks captain Ryan Getzlaf probably won’t garner a huge return if he’s traded this season because his stats are down as is his TOI.
    • “There’s also the fact that he’s not the same Hart Trophy-level star that he once was, meaning the return wouldn’t likely be a big one. Getzlaf has just six points through 15 games, including zero even-strength goals. His ice time is down and he’s now just playing a support and leadership role as the team transitions to the next wave of talent.”

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(1/15/2021) – BLH’s NHL Rumor Quick Hits: “Nashville Was a Serious Contender For Him”

BLH provides you with the latest NHL news, rumors, and speculation featuring Logan Brown (OTT), Anton Khudobin (DAL), Evander Kane (SJ), Jujhar Khaira, and More!

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.

The Oilers have a bit of a mind-bender brewing on the right side of their defence 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?

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

NHL Rumors and Speculation

  • Dallas Stars: Head Coach Rick Bowness says the team is leaning towards being ready to begin play on January 22nd, not the 19th. Notes that absent players are virtually attending team meetings and video sessions (Source: Saad Yousuf)
  • Dallas Stars: Anton Khudobin said he dealt with COVID-19 for around three weeks during the off-season in his club’s media avail. (Source: Sean Shapiro)
  • Columbus Blue Jackets: Pierre-Luc Dubois hasn’t given a reason why he wants to leave says Head Coach John Tortorella. The coach believes Dubois should get out in front of the speculation because that’s how he thinks one should go about their business. (Source: Rothman & Ice)
  • Florida Panthers: The Panthers talked to the New York Islanders about Keith Yandle and were willing to take back bad contracts but didn’t really get anywhere. There’s not much interest in him elsewhere either. (Source: Elliotte Friedman)
  • Florida Panthers: Anthony Duclair was shocked he didn’t get a new deal in Ottawa. The 3x$4.35M rumors weren’t true, and Nashville was a serious contender for him. (Source: Elliotte Friedman)
  • San Jose Sharks: Coach Bob Boughner doesn’t think Evander Kane will be a distraction and he expects the winger to play the whole season this year. He didn’t want to comment on Kane’s personal situation. (Source: Kevin Kurz)
  • Edmonton Oilers: GM Ken Holland said on Oilers Now that blue-chip prospect Philip Broberg played at the 2021 World Juniors with a tear above his knee and a slightly separated shoulder. (Source: Kurt Leavins)
  • Edmonton Oilers: The Oilers let it be known that Jujhar Khaira was available and Toronto liked him before but they’ve got too many bodies now. (Source: Elliotte Friedman)
  • Ottawa Senators: There are rumors that Logan Brown is available but the Senators still believe in his talent. (Source: Elliotte Friedman)

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(1/12/2021) – BLH’s NHL Rumor Quick Hits: “They could make a good deal here when they decide to do it.”

BLH provides you with the latest NHL news, rumors, and speculation featuring Pierre-Luc Dubois, Oliver Kylington, Devin Shore, Jason Demers, Tyson Barrie, and more!

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.

The Oilers have a bit of a mind-bender brewing on the right side of their defence 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?

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

NHL Rumors and Speculation

  • John Hoven (Mayor’s Manor): The Los Angeles Kings held five players out of Saturday’s scrimmages as a precaution including Gabe Vilardi, Cal Petersen, Kurtis MacDermid, Sean Walker, and Matt Villalta.
  • Frank Seravalli (TSN): Gary Bettman said recently it would be cheaper for the NHL to shut down and not play, but the Owners are okay with losing money to play because they know how important it is for the fans.
  • Allan Walsh (Octagon Hockey): In reply to Bettman’s statement said this,
    • “This is a deliberate and intentionally misleading statement. He conveniently omits that under CBA extension, the owners will be made whole for last year and this season over time per 50/50 split. Yeah, they’re doing it for the players and fans.”
  • David Pagnotta (The Fourth Period): According to Bill Daly, the San Jose Sharks are meeting with Santa Clara officials tomorrow to see if and when they can play in San Jose. They’ll be on the road until February 1st as things stand.
  • Jim Matheson (Post-Media): The Edmonton Oilers haven’t signed PTO forward Devin Shore, but probably will to a $700k deal because he can play all three forward positions. He’s been playing center during training camp.
  • Jimmy Murphy (Boston Hockey Now): Are the Bruins in on freshly waived Calgary Flames defenceman Oliver Kylington?
    • “According to a well-placed source, the Bruins have liked Kylington going back to the 2015 Draft and recently inquired about his status in Calgary. There’s no guarantee the Bruins will jump on him but there was plenty of chatter Monday and Monday night linking the Bruins to Kylington.”
  • Corey Masisak (The Athletic): Reckons the New Jersey Devils could have some interest in a couple of goalies playing out in the desert.
    • “Every team needs to carry three goaltenders, so trade options could be slim. There were reports that Las Vegas was looking to trade Marc-Andre Fleury in the offseason after signing Robin Lehner, but the Golden Knights would have had time to find a solid backup option by then. Arizona might be willing to promote Adin Hill and listen to trades for Antti Raanta, who has one year left on his contract with a $4.25 million cap hit.”
  • The Fourth Period: Is reporting that the Arizona Coyotes will try to move up to three defencemen from their current roster this season,
    • “Jason Demers might not be the only player the Coyotes dangle this season, as defencemen Alex Goligoski, Jordan Oesterle and Niklas Hjalmarsson are also in the final year of their respective contracts.”
  • Herman Dayal (The Athletic): Has Edmonton Oilers defender Tyson Barrie ranked 7th in his top-ten bounce-back candidates for the 2020-21 NHL season,
    • “Barrie probably won’t impress outside of the power play but his rough cameo in Toronto will ensure that expectations are calibrated accordingly. If the Oilers carefully deploy the 29-year-old as a sheltered second-pairing defenceman with PP quarterback utility, he should be able to rebound, at least as far as the counting stats are concerned.”
  • Mark Spector (Sportsnet): Is very optimistic going into 2020-21 with regards to the Edmonton Oilers’ chances,
    • “Edmonton was the best Canadian team last season in both points (83) and winning percentage (.585), with a new head coach in Dave Tippett and new GM in Ken Holland. They’re not rushing prospects now like they have for years, and when you look at their lineup you’ll find NHL depth that has not been there for ages. This team is better than last year’s team, and last year’s team was pretty good. This team will make the playoffs in the North.”
  • Elliotte Friedman (Sportsnet): On the future of Pierre-Luc Dubois (CBJ),
    • “I think Columbus starts the season with him but I heard that teams are not screwing around when it comes to this guy’s availability. I think some of the preliminary offers, I think they made Columbus aware that they could make a good deal here when they decide to do it.”

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