BLH provides you with the latest NHL news, rumors, and speculation featuring Bruce Boudreau, Evander Kane (SJ), Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (EDM), David Rittich (CGY), and more!
Is Leon Draisaitl’s excellent two-way presence just a mirage? One Edmonton pundit says they may very well be, BLH says not so fast. Read about it here.
A new name in the rumor mill for Oilers fans! Check out who it is here.
Could Tyson Barrie be trade bait for the Oilers? Read about that here.
This is not the kind of news Edmonton Oilers fans will like.
NHL Rumors and Speculation
Daniel Kaplan and Kevin Kurz of The Athletic: Evander Kane and the San Jose Sharks have informed federal bankruptcy court that they are considering ending Kane’s contract. The seven-year, $49 million pact, signed in 2018, has $29 million remaining, according to creditor filings.
TSN: Darren Dreger on TSN 1050 on what it might cost the Toronto Maple Leafs to re-sign pending unrestricted free agent forward Zach Hyman.
- “So what is a fair offer for him? Is it $4 million? Is it above $4 million? Can’t be too much above $4 million or you’re running into real dangerous territory there right? It is an addition and there has to be a subtraction. But if he gets to the open market, there are people out there that believe he can climb into the 5’s or higher because every team sees what Zach Hyman is bringing to the Toronto Maple Leafs, right?”
Ryan Rishaug: Edmonton Oilers GM Ken Holland said that he has spoken with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins camp recently. He added that there is going to be a flat salary cap for the next few years and that it is a new marketplace for free agents now.
Holland said that they’d like to keep Nugent-Hopkins but they would need to find a deal that would make sense for both RNH and the Oilers.
Corey Masisak of The Athletic: If the Devils want to allocate Subban’s $9 million cap hit differently in 2021-22, they might be able to trade him … after July 1. His salary for next season is $2 million, after a $6 million signing bonus is paid July 1.
Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic: Could the Washington Capitals target Calgary Flames backup David Rittich as the NHL Trade deadline approaches? LeBrun thinks so.
- “The sense I get out of Washington is that the next few weeks will be important to get a better feel for Ilya Samsonov and where he is with his game… The Caps are all-in and the window to win is tight. So it’s why I think if there’s still any doubt at all closer to April 12 they go out and bring in some insurance in goal. And what better fit than Rittich, who is a pending UFA?”
The Athletic: Craig Custance and Eric Duhatschek updated their NHL Trade Deadline Big Board. Several notable additions include Minnesota Wild defenseman Matt Dumba, Buffalo Sabres center Eric Staal, Anaheim Ducks defenseman Josh Manson, Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Elvis Merzlikins and Arizona Coyotes goaltender Antti Raanta.
Elliotte Friedman (Sportsnet) had this to say on the value of Buffalo Sabres center Eric Staal, Sam Reinhart’s potential trade interest, and Bruce Boudreau possibly coming in to coach the club.
- “I think Eric Staal is a good player. I think Eric Staal can play multiple positions. I think Eric Staal will be motivated to go somewhere and play. I think those are all good things for him, so… I think they can get a second [round pick] for him, but it’s going to be a buyer’s market, and that’s going to add to the challenges of everything.”
- “I think if Buffalo does move him, it’s because they get something that I’ve got to think it’s something that all the fans are going to look at and say, ‘Ok, I understand it.’ I saw some of the reaction online when I mentioned Reinhart’s name. I get the sense the fans really like him too. The Sabres have to be keenly aware of that. It’s not a trade you can ‘lose’.”
- “I know Bruce really wants to coach. I know he does. He’s a coach at heart, it’s in his blood. I think his dream is [the Toronto Maple Leafs], because he’s from there and he played there, but I know he’d love Buffalo if it every became available.”
Give us a follow on the socials!
- Youtube: Beer League Heroes Channel
- Twitter: @beerleagueheroe
- Instagram: @beerleagueheroes
- Facebook: Beer League Heroes
