Coming from an Edmonton Oilers fan’s perspective, BLH comments on the latest NHL news, rumors, and speculation featuring Brian Burke and GM Kyle Dubas talking about the Toronto Maple Leafs, Mike Hoffman’s latest rumored destination, the odds on if the Edmonton Oilers will make a move before January, and more!
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NHL Rumors and Speculation
- Brian Burke (Spittin’ Chiclets Podcast): On the Toronto Maple Leafs adding Joe Thornton this year,
- “I don’t see a fit here this doesn’t make sense to me It doesn’t make sense to me, where is he gonna play? Who is he gonna play with? Whose job is he taking? What kind of look do they have [for] him?”
- Burke was also asked if he thought the team could win with three players making $10M/yr and he said, “No!”. Adding that they need to trade William Nylander for a defenceman.
BLH’s Thoughts: Burke makes a good point. If Thornton doesn’t have anybody to play with, how are they going to utilize him to the best of his abilities? His best days are very much in the rear-view window, right? But one thing we might not be considering is what if the plan is to use him part-time? It’s not like he’s eating up a massive chunk of Toronto’s salary cap and the way I’ve always thought about these sorts of additions is that the old superstar vet is there more for support than anything else.
As for Nylander, I’m not certain he’ll be a Maple Leaf in 2021-22. Even if Toronto has a good year and a solid run in the playoffs (should they take place), I believe they’ll move the slick Swede and get either their stud d-man or a true no.1 goalie.
- Emily Sadler (Sportsnet): UFA Mike Hoffman has received calls from the Nashville Predators, Boston Bruins, Columbus Blue Jackets, Carolina Hurricanes and New Jersey Devils. It doesn’t sound like any of the teams have come up to Hoffman’s $5.5-$6 million asking price though.
BLH’s Thoughts: New Jersey should be gobbling up all these quality UFAs and using them as trade fodder at the next trade deadline to build up their prospect cupboard a bit.
- TSN: Kyle Dubas added grit and experience during the off-season, but believes the Leafs won’t be able to achieve their full potential unless the core group improves.
- “If they’re willing to sacrifice a little bit in each of their own individual realms … we’ll really reach our full potential.”
BLH’s Thoughts: Bringing in a player like Joe Thornton will help in this regard. He’ll be able to nudge the kids in the right direction and let them know when they’re heading off the rails. That guy has some real clout in the league and only a moron wouldn’t listen if Jumbo Joe was talking.
- Kurt Leavins (Edmonton Journal): “What I am hearing is that while something does need to give on the Oilers roster before a return to play, I don’t expect a deal happens before the middle of January.”
BLH’s Thoughts: Hmmm. Expanded roster? If every team gets them in addition to a taxi squad, there might not be a need to make a deal. But if something is going to give, I’d prefer they move a player like Joakim Nygard or Jujhar Khaira as opposed to Alex Chiasson. However, with all of the first-team RWs Edmonton has, it might be a foregone conclusion.
- Larry Brooks (New York Post): “If the NHL needs another $300 million in order to proceed with the 2020-21 season — and that is essentially what Sixth Avenue has represented to the NHLPA — why don’t Gary Bettman, Bill Daly and the Board of Directors simply ask Seattle to advance up to half of the $650 million expansion fee that is currently due before the Kraken’s inaugural 2021-22 season?”
BLH’s Thoughts: Read that whole post if you have a free moment. Brooks makes some good points coming from the player’s point of view. Speaks of some labour malpractice on the NHL’s part…
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