Speculating from an Oilers fan’s perspective, BLH comments on the latest NHL rumors featuring players such as Mat Barzal, Pierre-Luc Dubois, Mike Hoffman, Tyler Seguin and many more!
Nail Yakupov has two goals in three games for Bob Hartley Omsk in the KHL after they took on his contract recently
— Jim Matheson (@jimmathesonnhl) October 31, 2020
The News and Rumors
- Luke Fox (Sportsnet): Per Empire Sports, Isles GM Lou Lamoriello is looking to sign Mat Barzal in the ballpark of $7.5M. A deal or offer sheet at $10.9M+ feels highly unlikely.
BLH’s Thoughts: Mat Barzal is one of the NHL’s most entertaining players to watch, but is it just me or has his game slowed down a bit recently. I’m not saying he’s becoming a slower skater or his physical skills are breaking down, I’m just wondering about the consitency of his point production. Anything over $8.5M/yr seems like an overpayment to me.
- Matthew DeFranks (Dallas News): From Stars GM Jim Nill, “We’ve had great discussions (w/Roope Hintz). His agent has been very fair. I just hope we can get something done in the next week or two.”
BLH’s Thoughts: I absolutely love the way Roope Hintz plays the game. The Stars have $4.5M in cap space available and I’m curious if it would be in their best interests to get this player locked up long-term just as he’s peaking or take a chance on a short-term deal and bet on him slowing down after getting banged up in the playoffs…
- Pierre LeBrun: Several teams have expressed interest in forward Mike Hoffman, but believe they’re only offering 1yr “bargain city” deals in the $3.5M to $4.5M range.
BLH’s Thoughts: Whatever it ends up being, I don’t think the Oilers will be in on him unless his signing price comes way down. He really should go with Boston I feel. He’ll be the Bruins target man while Brad Marchand and David Pastrnak recover from off-season surgeries and he’ll be able to get his price in addition to playing on a contender.
- NHL.com: Jim Nill says Tyler Seguin’s surgery to repair a torn labrum (hip) is delayed. He’d be out four months after surgery.
BLH’s Thoughts: Here’s to a speedy recovery. Ten years on, I can safely say that the Taylor vs. Tyler argument isn’t even close. For me, at least. No disrespect to Hall, but Seguin has shown a lot more as a hockey player in many aspects that can’t be identified via the stats. Off the ice, he’s been great for the game as well. Dallas is lucky to have him as an ambassador for the sport in Texas.
- Aaron Portzline (The Athletic): Talks between the Columbus Blue Jackets and RFAs Pierre-Luc Dubois and Vladislav Gavrikov have stalled, but GM Jarmo Kekalainen has no concerns about them at all.
BLH’s Thoughts: Yeah, the Blue Jackets aren’t going to go into next season without their no.1 center. Whether his deal gets done now or right before opening night, it will get done. The question is, how much will he get? Would you give him more than what the Oilers gave Taylor Hall on his 2nd contract ($6M)?
- James O’Brien (NBC Sports): The Montreal Canadiens, Nashville Predators, Dallas Stars, New York Islanders, Florida Panthers, and Carolina Hurricanes are potential landing spots for veteran forward Ilya Kovalchuk.
BLH’s Thoughts: Kovalchuk seemed to really like playing in those hockey mad markets and I only see two on that list… I’d love to see him on the Oilers playing alongside Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl and bringing in a former superstar would be right up Ken Holland’s alley.
- Lyle Richardson (Spector’s Hockey): Possibilities for the Anaheim Ducks include Mikael Granlund, Andreas Athanasiou, Erik Haula, and Anthony Duclair.
BLH’s Thoughts: So, basically any UFA forward who isn’t signed yet is an option for the Ducks? We’re at that point of the off-season folks.
- Adam Gretz (NHL on NBC): Alex Killorn, Tyler Johnson, Ondrej Palat, and Yanni Gourde are Tampa Bay’s trade candidates.
BLH’s Thoughts: Shocking…
- Darren Dreger (TSN): The Calgary Flames would like to add a right-handed defenceman, preferable by trade.
BLH’s Thoughts: Who are they dealing out? Bennett? And why are they ignoring Oliver Kylington? He’s a real beauty!
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