BLH provides you with the latest NHL news, rumors, and speculation featuring the latest heresay from Elliotte Friedman’s weekly 31 Thoughts.
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NHL Rumors and Speculation
- “Publicly and privately, Columbus GM Jarmo Kekalainen stands up for John Tortorella. This is key, because sometimes what people say in private is not the same as what they say in public. But, as the Blue Jackets were swept last weekend in Nashville, extending the losing streak to five games, it was impossible not to wonder about that “pushback.””
BLH’s Thoughts: As I was reading this I was thinking that it’s all fine and dandy that the coach is getting the dreaded public vote of confidence but what about Kekalainen himself? At what point does he find himself on the hot seat? When do folks start wondering about him and his heavy loyalty to John Tortorella and could that be his undoing?
- “Kekalainen did confirm what has been rumoured, that the Blue Jackets are looking at centres. They’ve got some talented young players who need time to grow into that position, but immediate help is needed, too.”
BLH’s Thoughts: The BJs are five points behind Chicago for 4th in their division, surely they start to look at being sellers for this year’s trade deadline soon if they can’t pull right out of this funk they’re in. Maybe they could find their center in the off-season? Would they put in an offer for Jack Eichel possibly using one of their big d-men as trade fodder?
- “Boston and Philadelphia are eyeing defencemen, although both teams must monitor expansion-draft issues. You don’t want to make that situation worse, unless of course you are trading something that nullifies the problem. Toronto is checking out forwards. Colorado is looking at some options, but I don’t know how high-salaried they would be. One interesting possibility: Minnesota. Unafraid GM and challenging for top spot in the West.”
BLH’s Thoughts: Minnesota is a very interesting team to me. I gave them non respect at the beginning of the year because I didn’t think they’d have the personnel to compete in that division. With five picks in the first three rounds of this year’s draft, they could probably make a significant addition to their club if they wanted. If it were me though, I’d keep my powder dry because they’re playing with found money I reckon and those draft picks may come in handy this off-season should they find the need to shed a contract or two.
- “On Jack Eichel: I would be shocked for the above reasons if the Sabres considered a trade now. First, it’s something they have to come to grips with. Second, there simply aren’t a ton of teams in position to do it for budget or cap reasons. Things change in the off-season: contracts coming off the cap; the 10 per cent summer cushion; etc. The Rangers are an obvious exception — they could do it at any time, if they wished — although some of the proposals I’ve seen out there are kinda crazy.”
BLH’s Thoughts: I don’t think Buffalo will make any moves with Eichel in-season, even if he asks out. It wouldn’t be in the Sabres’ best interests to do anything. Come the off-season and closer to the draft, the options and offers will open right up and that will be the best time. It would also give the club an extra moment or two to find an experienced executive to help GM Kevyn Adams because he’s doing all of this on his own right now…
- “I do think teams searching for goalie depth have asked Buffalo about Jonas Johansson, who will be an unrestricted free agent without 21 appearances of at least 30 minutes. Sunday was his second game of the season.”
BLH’s Thoughts: Reckon there’s a team that will want to trade for an impending UFA that’s only played twice this year and for a shitty team no-less? If there is, they’re not offering a lot.
- “Alex Stalock is going to play in Edmonton… I do think the Oilers would like to see Stalock push Mikko Koskinen and Mike Smith… Stalock is a competitive guy, so you know he’ll grind for the opportunity.”
BLH’s Thoughts: I was on a podcast on Wednesday evening with Michael from Oilers Live and we talked about Stalock a bit. I wondered if the plan is to get him into a game or two as soon as his quarantine is over to see how he does as a precursor to a goalie trade most likely involving Mikko Koskinen. Stalock is a wonderful puck handler (like Mike Smith) and his contract is for next year as well and that satisfies expansion requirements.
- “Another KHL player to keep an eye on: Magnitogorsk defenceman Grigori Dronov. Just turned 23 and may need some AHL time, but there are NHL clubs watching him.”
BLH’s Thoughts: I’ve not the foggiest when it comes to this guy but here’s a snippet from his profile on Elite Prospects,
“Proactive at getting first on pucks and getting into battles.. whether in a race or when trying to move the opposition off the puck”, Draftin Europe 2018
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