Speculating from an Edmonton Oilers fan’s perspective, BLH comments on the latest NHL news, rumors, and speculation featuring players such as Auston Matthews, Ryan Getzlaf, Casey Middlestadt, Urho Vaakanainen, and more!
The News and Rumors
- Chad DeDominicis (Die By the Blade): “It’s probably just due diligence on remaining free agents so don’t go crazy with this but if you want some player movement to kick around Duclair is a name I’ve heard the Sabres have checked in on recently. Again, I don’t think much comes of it but something to discuss.”
- On Casey Middelstadt, “Last I heard they were checking the trade market with him. I don’t think there was much there so they’ll get a deal done eventually.”
BLH’s Thoughts: So… Duclair is going to play behind Taylor Hall and Jeff Skinner? Doubtful.
- Joe Haggerty (Boston Hockey NOW): Believes that Bruins blue-chip defensive prospect Urho Vaanakaien could be on the move, “There is absolutely pressure on Bruins GM Don Sweeney to pull off something like the Oliver Ekman-Larsson deal that faded away with the advent of NHL free agency, and the Boston Bruins general manager is going to have to give up something to get something for the back end.”
- Jim Parsons (NHL Trade Talk): Believes Haggerty is suggesting either Cam Fowler or Noah Hanifin as targets for the Bruins.
BLH’s Thoughts: None of those players sound like Cam Neely-like players. I’ll throw a name out there for you, Rasmus Ristolainen. If the Sabres ever decide to move that guy, he’d be a perfect fit for Boston. He’s big and mean and plays just like the Bruins of old.
- Jimmy Murphy (Florida Hockey NOW): Is saying that the Anaheim Ducks are trying to make a deal in order to get cap compliant for the upcoming NHL season and captain Ryan Getzlaf’s name is coming up. According to Murphy, a trio of teams have shown interest in Getzlaf.
- Murphy is also speculating that the New York Islanders might have to move a forward like Josh Bailey and his $5M/yr contract so that they can afford to re-sign star center Mat Barzal.
BLH’s Thoughts: Bob Stauffer (630CHED) has been subtly throwing Getzlaf’s name around in connection to the Oilers every now and then this off-season. He’s friends with Getzlaf’s Edmonton-based agent Gerry Johansson, so there might be a little bit of smoke to that fire. Plus, that sort of addition to the Oilers would be right down Ken Holland’s alley.
I reckon when it’s all said and done, we’re going to be left shaking our heads in awe of what Lou Lamoriello will have done to open up the necessary cap room for a Mat Barzal signing.
You know what would be really fun but I don’t think he’d do it, a Barzal to LA trade. The Kings have the assets to pull it off too.
- Jonas Siegel (The Athletic): “I wonder though if the Leafs should experiment with a more balanced approach, the main crux of which would be removing Marner and Nylander from Matthews’ side. I tend to think Matthews could score with just about anyone on his wings, and that he could elevate two lesser talents in the same way Sidney Crosby has players such as Conor Sheary, Chris Kunitz, and Patric Hornqvist.”
BLH’s Thoughts: I’ll get the popcorn ready because if this happens and it doesn’t work, the “Matthews can’t drive his own line” chirps coming from Edmonton will be deafening.
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