Speculating from an Edmonton Oilers fan’s perspective, BLH comments on the latest NHL rumors featuring players such as Taylor Hall, Jake DeBrusk, Patrick Kane, and more!
The News and Rumors
- Joe Haggerty (Boston Hockey NOW): Says that Jake DeBrusk finds himself in a contractual category with the likes of Ryan Strome, Denis Gurianov, and Jake Virtanen. Haggerty reckons that DeBrusk is a notch below Strome but above Virtanen and Gurianov considering he’s had a 27g season and has amassed 14 career playoff goals as well as a .59 ppg average throughout his career. He should come in closer to $4M/yr on a new deal the Boston scribe believes.
BLH’s Thoughts: $4M? That’s it?! Boston should be locking DeBrusk up ASAP if that’s the going rate for him. Not only is it good for their club, but it’s also good for resale value on the trade market when the do decide to trade him.
- Buffalo Sabres: In a behind-the-scenes video of the Sabres negotiations with Taylor Hall’s agent Darren Ferris, there’s a clear indication that Hall wanted to go long-term with Buffalo but it was the Sabres who preferred a short-term agreement.
BLH’s Thoughts: It was interesting to see that the Pegulas were right in there for the meeting and pitching Hall. The short-term preference from Buffalo makes me wonder how many other clubs were looking at Hall as a trade piece down the road next season more so than a player that could help them in the standings.
- Eric Engles (Sportsnet): Corey Perry is one player the Montreal Canadiens could have interest in.
- The Canadiens’ depth at forward is pushing veteran Paul Byron down the chart. He has three more years left on his deal and the Habs don’t have cap issues (yet) that require him to be moved if they don’t want to.
BLH’s Thoughts: I don’t see the Habs moving Byron out yet. He’s a good vet that that club needs with all of the youth it is introducing to the team. His work ethic and leadership is worth so much and that makes me wonder why anybody would think Corey Perry would be needed in Montreal. That roster is pretty full with more coming…
- Bill Hoppe (Olean Times Herald): Sam Reinhart said to Hoppe that it’s his hope to remain with Buffalo long-term and added, “I think every player in the times right now would be open to a long-term deal. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case and it’s not always available. I’m certainly comfortable playing on short-term deals like I always have.”
BLH’s Thoughts: I feel like Sam Reinhart’s time with the Sabres is always hanging by a thread. As if Buffalo is just looking for the right trade to move him. I mean, he’s a good hockey player but he’s not dynamic and he doesn’t stand out to me. There’s nothing wrong with that either as he puts up pretty good numbers. He might be the quietest player in the league.
Here’s a mock trade that was DM’d to me over the weekend,
Not this season, but next, the Chicago Blackhawks trade Patrick Kane to the New York Rangers for Kaapo Kakko, Anthony DeAngelo, and multiple draft picks and/or prospects.
Would you do it? Does that even make sense for the Rangers to add him? I’m going to say no and Kane finishes his career in the Windy City. The Rangers would be daft to move Kakko so early in his career anyhow and that $10M+ salary that Kane is making would really muck things up for New York. A trade with New Jersey probably makes more sense, to be honest.
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