Could this Elite Sniper Become an Edmonton Oiler This Summer?

Coming from an Edmonton Oilers point of view, BLH provides you with the latest NHL news, rumors, and speculation from all of the internet’s best sites including Spector’s Hockey, The Fourth Period, NHL Trade Talk, The Hockey Writers, Sportsnet, The Athletic, TSN and more!

From NHLRumors.com

Hoffman door not closed on a Blues return

Andy Strickland: Don’t believe that St. Louis Blues pending UFA forward Mike Hoffman has closed the door on possibly returning to the Blues.

He would need to consider signing a somewhat friendly deal if the Blues were to be able to make it work.

Last offseason he received a good amount of interest and the same is expected this offseason.

BLH’s Thoughts: I could see the Oilers being in on Hoffman on a one year deal possibly and honestly, he should be looking at Edmonton very seriously with the quality of playmakers the Oilers have in their top-six. To add to that, if Ryan Nugent-Hopkins moves on, the spot on the left wall of the PP will be available. Maybe Leon Draisaitl moves there or maybe that’s tailor made for a player like Hoffman…

From NHLTradeRumors.me

2 Players Who Could be Traded by the Vancouver Canucks this Summer

Jake Virtanen: Virtanen has been a problem child in Vancouver and Canucks management has seen enough. At 24, the former first round pick still holds some value and Benning will be able to find a GM to take a flyer on him for a change of scenery. Virtanen appeared in 38 games last season, recording five goals and zero assists. Canucks fans – don’t expect much more than a mid-level prospect or late draft pick coming back in the deal. He is currently on leave for sexual allegations.

Loui Eriksson: Same ol’ story for Eriksson as it hasn’t worked out for him in Vancouver since signing his six-year deal back in 2012. Last season the Swedish winger appeared in seven games, recording one assist. The Canucks are going to have to retain some salary in any trade, so this could turn into a buyout before a trade comes to fruition. There isn’t much of a market for Eriksson anymore, so Benning’s hands are tied on this one.

BLH’s thoughts: I’d be shocked if either of those players were traded. On the other hand, a 4th liner like Jay Beagle could be deemed a tad expensive for his place on the roster and defenseman Nate Schmidt might be looking to play elsewhere. One could make an argument that Schmidt was massively overpaid for what he brought to the table last season…

3 Potential Trades For Dougie Hamilton

To the Toronto Maple Leafs for Morgan Rielly and Timothy Liljegren: Rielly is slowly becoming the odd man out in Toronto and given the Leafs depth on the left side with Jake Muzzin, TJ Brodie and Rasmus Sandin, he’s become expendable. Adding a player like Hamilton would go a long way in Toronto. Sure, there may be a pick or another prospect included, but the package would be centered around a 2-for-1. The Leafs want to improve the right-side of their defense, this does the trick and some.
To the Philadelphia Flyers for Travis Konecny and Travis Sanheim: The Flyers are extremely interested in adding Hamilton, and if they get the chance to add an 8th-year to the contract via a sign-and-trade, they’ll likely overpay. Konecny is 24, and recorded 34 points in 50 games last season and would give the Hurricanes another RW which they desperately need. Sanheim is a big body who plays tough and would provide the ‘Canes with a replacement for Joel Edmundson which they haven’t had for a couple of seasons.
To the Chicago Blackhawks for Adam Boqvist and draft picks/prospects: Boqvist is one of the best young defensemen in the league who has all the tools. The former 8th overall pick from the 2018 draft has shown the ability to jump into the rush and contribute on both sides of the puck. Last season in 35 games he recorded 16 points, and appears to have the potential to be a 40-50 point defenseman. Carolina would be saving a ton of money with this trade and stocking up for the present and the future.

BLH’s Thoughts: Firstly the Carolina proposal, the Hurricanes already have FOUR left-shot defenders on their roster, does adding another one make a lot of sense? Toronto would be better off keeping Rielly and moving Nylander or pulling off a blockbuster that included Marner going to Carolina for Hamilton plus.

Next, the Philly offer. This one makes a bit of sense for me given Konecny is in the doghouse there and Sanheim could share top-four duties with Brett Pesce on the Canes blueline going forward. The two players’ salaries leaving the Flyers will probably be more than the $8M/yr after Sanheim signs a new deal (he’s a RFA this summer) but we’re seeing that depth rules in the postseason this year.

I don’t see Chicago having the assets to trade for Hamilton because I’m not sure the Hurricanes want to add futures only. Their window is now and as good as Boqvist is, if I were GM of the Canes, I’d say Nikita Zadorov and possibly Dylan Strome need to come as well and I’ll add another asset to go back to Chicago.

If you’re wondering about the Oilers, don’t. It’s the wrong market for Hamilton.