BLH provides you with the latest NHL news, rumors, and speculation featuring the top free agents from the 2021 NCAA class, Marcus Pettersson (PIT), Rickard Rakell (ANA), 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
NBC Sports 2021 Top NCAA Free Agent Team: Zach Leach recently posted some of the best college free agents available now that a lot of collegiate teams’ seasons have ended or will be ending soon.
Forwards
- Alex Steeves, Notre Dame (Jr.) – “A skilled forward who makes the players around him better, Steeves is ready for the pro game, even as a junior. Assuming he forgoes his remaining NCAA eligibility, Steeves could sign soon.”
- Jordan Kawaguchi, North Dakota (Sr.) – “A supremely skilled playmaker who is tied with Steeves with 31 points this season, Kawaguchi thinks the game at a high level and has great vision on the ice.”
- Marc McLaughlin, Boston College (Jr.) – ” McLaughlin is pro-ready right now and there will be a strong market for his mature, complete game. A physical, two-way center who excels at the technical aspects of the game, McLaughlin also found his offense this year with 23 points in 21 games.”
Defensemen
- Matt Kiersted, North Dakota (Sr.) – “The puck-moving defensemen has played major minutes for a contender at North Dakota and his 19 points in 25 games is among the best marks for blue liners. He also plays competent defense and looks ready to step into an NHL depth role right away. “
- Akito Hirose, Minnesota State (Fr.) – “Hirose’s mobility is top-class and has many believing he is better off developing in the pros. He has shown that he can be a difference maker on the back end, even in a conservative system like the Mavericks’.”
Goaltenders
- Strauss Mann, Michigan (Jr.) -“While he may not be at the very top of the NCAA goalie ranks statistically, scouts rave about Mann’s vision and quickness… Mann is also the Wolverines’ captain and has been unbelievably consistent as their workhorse over the past two seasons. A smart and respected teammate, Mann has the makings of an NHL starter in time.”
Brian La Rose (NBC Sports): Thinks Detroit’s Luke Glendening might garner the best return for the Red Wings between now and the trade deadline on April 12th.
- “In terms of who actually fetches the best return for Detroit between now and next month’s trade deadline, I think it’s Luke Glendening. He has been in deadline speculation for a few years now but with his contract expiring, this is the time to make a move. He’s still elite at the faceoff dot and there will be contenders willing to pay for that while his $1.8MM AAV will be easier to work in to a cap-strapped roster than someone like Mantha. It won’t be a package of high picks and prospects (a second-rounder is about the top end of what they could try to ask for) but they can still add more assets.”
Rory Boylen (Sportsnet): Has a number of players listed over at Sportsnet that he considers “Depth” options for some NHL teams as they look to add at the trade deadline next month.
- Sam Bennett, Calgary Flames
- Jake Virtanen, Vancouver Canucks
- Adam Henrique, Anaheim Ducks
- Danton Heinen, Anaheim Ducks
- Matt Nieto, San Jose Sharks
- Marcus Pettersson, Pittsburgh Penguins
Frank Seravalli (TSN) says that the Anaheim Ducks would prefer to move Adam Henrique or Jakob Silfverberg before winger Rickard Rakell, but their contracts are a challenge and each of three seasons left. Seravalli noted that the price is “high” on the Swedish sniper but the Ducks could be convinced to part with him if they think that the return would help jumpstart their rebuild process.
Pierre LeBrun (The Athletic): Believes that the cost for Nashville Predators defenseman Mattias Ekholm could only be a first round pick and a prospect and if the Boston Bruins are willing to pay that price, their window to win is closing fast. They need a top-four d-man and Ekholm could provide “decent offense”. However, LeBrun adds not to count out the Winnipeg Jets either.
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