BLH provides you with the latest NHL news, rumors, and speculation featuring Zach Hyman (TOR), Elvis Merzlikins (CBJ), Mike Hoffman (STL), Linus Ullmark (BUF), and more!
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.
*NEW* What’s the plan for Edmonton’s defense after this season? Check that out here!
*NEW* Are the Edmonton Oilers poised to make a tough trade before next year? Maybe…
NHL Rumors and Speculation
Elliotte Friedman (Sportsnet 650): On Vancouver Canucks GM Jim Benning:
- “I’ve believed that Benning is coming back for some time now, and I believe the contract is guaranteed. I know there are a lot of rumours about option year, but I don’t believe that’s the case.”
Iain MacIntyre: Elliotte Friedman said that Adam Gaudette wanted out of Vancouver. The Canucks were looking to move him but Friedman notes that Gaudette’s role in their COVID situation may have sped up things.
- “It’s hard to believe the past couple of weeks didn’t accelerate an already-unhappy player’s departure.”
Jordan Hall (NBC Sports): Philadelphia Flyers GM Chuck Fletcher said that they aren’t considering changes to their coaching staff.
Helene St. James (Detroit Free Press): Detroit Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman said that he will be meeting with head coach Jeff Blashill right after the season is done to discuss his future, Blashill is on an expiring contract.
Brian Hedger (Columbus Dispatch): Columbus Blue Jackets Jarmo Kekalainen on not trading pending UFA defenseman Michael Del Zotto at the deadline:
“Well, he’s been on of the players this year that I think has exceeded our expectations and that’s a good thing. He’s been a great Blue Jacket this year, has expressed interest in staying here and we appreciate everything he’s done so far.”
WGR 550: Buffalo Sabres GM Kevyn Adams on pending unrestricted free agent Linus Ullmark:
- “We want Linus to be a Buffalo Sabre. We’ve had great conversations, continue to talk right now… Priority to us is absolutely to sign Linus. He and his agent both know that.”
Jeremy Rutherford: St. Louis Blues GM Doug Armstrong on if Robert Thomas’ injury had any impact on them not trading Mike Hoffman:
- “Not really. We’re hoping it’s not a long-term injury. I didn’t really correlate those two together. If Thomas didn’t get injured and (Hoffman) didn’t play, there might have been something different.
Lou Korac (NHL.com): Blues GM Armstrong said they hope to be able to re-sign forward Jaden Schwartz. He wouldn’t say if contract negotiations were ongoing or not.
Aaron Portzline (THE ATHLETIC): Examined what could in store during the offseason for the Columbus Blue Jackets after being sellers at this year’s NHL trade deadline. General manager Jarmo Kekalainen insists his club isn’t rebuilding but retooling.
- Head coach John Tortorella could be on his way out as he’s in the final year of his contract.
- Goaltenders Elvis Merzlikins and Joonas Korpisalo are slated to become unrestricted free agents next summer and it’s likely one of them will be traded this summer.
- Winger Patrik Laine is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights this summer.
- Defenseman Zach Werenski reaches a similar status next summer but could be re-signed to an extension this summer.
- Blueliner Seth Jones is a year away from UFA eligibility and can be signed to a contract extension this summer. His willingness to commit long-term to the Jackets will determine if the club is retooling or rebuilding. Kekalainen could move quickly to trade Jones if the rearguard rejects an extension.
- With three first-round picks in this year’s draft, the Jackets could try to shop one of them (except their own) to add a roster player.
Kevin McGran (TORONTO STAR): Recently examined the cost for the Maple Leafs of re-signing pending UFAs Frederik Andersen and Zach Hyman. He anticipates the latter could command something comparable to the $6.5 million AAV that kicks in next season for Montreal’s Brendan Gallagher.
Sources: nhlrumors.com, Spector’s Hockey
Give us a follow on the socials!
- Youtube: Beer League Heroes Channel
- Twitter: @beerleagueheroe
- Instagram: @beerleagueheroes
- Facebook: Beer League Heroes
