Speculating from an Edmonton Oilers fan’s perspective, BLH comments on the latest NHL rumors featuring players such as Jack Eichel, Patrik Laine, Mitch Marner, Phil Tomasino, and more!
The News and Rumors
- Max Bultman (The Athletic): According to Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill, he’d like to see more of Robbi Fabbri at center next season.
- “I’m intrigued by giving Robby Fabbri an opportunity to play center too. So we’ll see, we’ll see where the best fit is. But the fact he can do it, I think is a real positive to have on your roster.”
BLH’s Thoughts: I’m happy to see that Fabbri has found a home in Detroit. There were a lot of doubts he’d be able to come back and be a top player after those knee injuries, but he’s showing everybody quite the opposite. Good on him! I’m looking forward to seeing him progress with the Red Wings.
- Expressen.se: Henrik Lundqvist had this to say about a potential future with the New York Rangers once his playing career ends, “This is a new chapter (Washington), and I look forward to the test,” Lundqvist said to Johan while driving to a practice rink in NJ. “But I’ll be a part of the Rangers for the rest of my life, in one way or another. Both I and the Rangers have been clear about that. That’s how it will be.”
BLH’s Thoughts: As if anybody could think of Henrik Lundqvist and think he’s anything but a New York Ranger for life. He’s the new Eddie Giacomin.
Fun Fact: Lundqvist played in Camrose, AB for Team Sweden at the Viking Cup in the late 90s.
- Craig Custance (The Athletic): A recent survey of 21 player agents conducted by Craig Custance revealed Winnipeg Jets winger Patrik Laine, Buffalo Sabres center Jack Eichel, and Toronto Maple Leafs forwards Mitch Marner and William Nylander topped their list of high-profile players who could change teams in the next year.
BLH’s Thoughts: Nylander and Laine make the most sense to me out of that group with regards to who’d be the “easiest” to trade.
Say, when’s the last time we saw a good old fashioned superstar trade? I’m talking the Pierre Turgeon for Pat Lafontaine kind of deal. The Sabres, Maple Leafs, and Jets should just all get together and swap troubled all-stars, right? Could you imagine Eichel playing in Toronto, Nylander in Winnipeg, and Laine in Buffalo?
- Anthony Scultore (Daily Goal Horn): “Jack Eichel makes $10 million per season. However, the way they structured the deal he was due $7.5 million in a signing bonus this season which they already paid. His base salary is just $2.5 million, so the Sabres aren’t trading him now. They may not even trade him next season, but keep your eye on the summer of 2022. That’s because he will be due another $7.5 million bonus and his no-trade kicks in. If Eichel is going to be dealt. it would make more sense at the 2021-22 trade deadline or offseason.
BLH’s Thoughts: The longer the Sabres go without making any progress, the more frustrated Eichel is going to get. I look at that team and I don’t see one that is regressing though. They need a true no.1 goalie. If they get that, they’ll be well on their way I feel.
- Adam Vingan (The Athletic): Predators’ Phillip Tomasino on his ambitions for this upcoming season, “Right now, the focus is on world juniors. Hopefully, we come out with a gold medal. Then my focus will be on making the (Predators). I feel ready, and I look forward to getting an opportunity.”
BLH’s Thoughts: The Predators are going to need some younger players to step up as it seems GM David Poile is looking to go a bit frugal with his salary cap. It won’t be easy for Tomasino though as he’ll be battling for a spot in the Nashville lineup againt players like Eeli Tolvanen and Rem Pitlick.
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