Speculating from an Edmonton Oilers fan’s perspective, BLH comments on the latest NHL news, rumors, and speculation featuring players such as Mat Barzal, Zdeno Chara to the Leafs, Anders Nilsson Mikko Lehtonen, and more!
Is the All-Canadian division a bad idea for Canadian teams? Read about that here.
The News and Rumors
- Elliotte Friedman (Sportsnet): Reports that the numbers aren’t going to work on a long-term deal between the New York Islanders and Mat Barzal. A short-term deal is more likely.
BLH’s Thoughts: I still think that a trade could happen but maybe Barzal could sign for $4M for this year and then go big next season? Maybe Lou Lamoriello could find someone to take Johnny Boychuk or Nick Leddy off of his hands without having to sacrifince too much. I don’t know, I just think if I was the LA Kings with all those assets that have accrued over the past few seasons through the draft, Barzal would look fantastic in a Kings uniform.
- Bruce Garrioch (Ottawa Sun): On the immediate playing future of Senators backup goalie Anders Nilsson, “… the expectation is he’ll start the season on long-term injury reserve. Dorion has stated that decision won’t be made until the organization can get him over to North America, but Nilsson is still suffering the effects of post-concussion syndrome back in Sweden.”
BLH’s Thoughts: Magnus Hoberg is Ottawas no.3 at the moment. Would it not make a bit of sense to call up Montreal and see what they want for Charlie Lindgren? There are also NHL vets like Ryan Miller and Jimmy Howard still without jobs to consider.
- Sportsnet: Finnish club Jokerit and defenceman Mikko Lehtonen have mutually agreed to terminate their contract, making Lehtonen available to the Toronto Maple Leafs.
BLH’s Thoughts: Lehtonen has been a stud in the KHL playing over 23 minutes a night and producing at a point-per-game rate. I’m very curious as to how the Leafs will utilize him. He’s a lefty and they’ve already got Rielly, Muzzin, and Dermott. If I’m not mistaken, TJ Brodie is also a left-shot but can play his off-side. Does Lehtnon play the right-side? If he wants ice-time, he might need to.
- Sportsnet 590: Maple Leafs GM Kyle Dubas was asked about the Zdeno Chara rumors recently. In addition to saying that he thought Chara was probably Boston or bust, he added, “I don’t know if he’s willing to uproot his family and play for another team. Maybe he is, but you know, I would be surprised if Chara ends up in a Maple Leaf uniform, put it that way, but you make every call you need to make.”
BLH’s Thoughts: This one would be interesting but I can’t really see it happening. Toronto is no closer to a Stanley Cup than Edmonton and if Chara is going to leave Boston, it’s going to be for mega bucks or a Cup and Toronto doesn’t have that kind of money available.
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