Edmonton Oilers Rumors: Kassian, Jones, Neal, and More!

Coming from an Edmonton Oilers point of view, BLH provides you with excerpts from 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 NHLTradeRumor.com

WILL DUNCAN KEITH END UP IN EDMONTON OR SEATTLE?

With NHL trade rumors going around that the Chicago Blackhawks are looking to add an elite defeceman, this all but confirms that Duncan Keith will not be back with the team this upcoming season.

While nothing is done, there are 2 North-Western teams who Keith would likely waive his no-trade clause for: Edmonton and the Seattle Kraken. But the Oilers appear to be the front runners.

If the Oilers cannot work out a trade for Keith, they will look at free agent Ryan Murray or Calgary’s Mark Giordano.

BLH’s Thoughts: There are some questions with Murray’s health that have the team taking a cautious approach with him and I can only see Giordano coming to Edmonton if Seattle gets him in the expansion draft first and then the Oilers acquire him from the Kraken. Now, I’m not 100% sure how Giordano’s M-NTC works here if he does get picked by Seattle. Reckon he’d waive that to go to Edmonton? I’m not sure I do.

https://twitter.com/SportsnetSpec/status/1413324499391434756

BLH’s Thoughts: Well, that’s that. We’ll need to wait a couple more weeks to see what happens with Keith. Now, that said, Spector didn’t say anything about Mikko Koskinen…

From NHLTradeRumors.me

Rumor: Vancouver Canucks & Arizona Coyotes Finalizing Deal

According to multiple sources, the Vancouver Canucks and Arizona Coyotes have revisited trade talks from last summer and are closing in on a deal that sees Oliver Ekman-Larsson head up to Western Canada.

At this point it’s expected any trade the Canucks make will likely include Schmidt and Jake Virtanen. Keep an eye on these two teams as the Coyotes are trying to move all their veterans out including Ekman-Larsson, Conor Garland, Phil Kessel and Darcy Kuemper, meanwhile the Canucks have a horrible track record lately with letting talent go for nothing, so Benning is trying to redeem himself this summer.

BLH’s Thoughts: Tell ya what, I don’t mind that swap for either team. If Vancouver takes on OEL’s entire ticket, it could cause some issues down the road possibly with Quinn Hughes, but honestly, if they play their cards right until Tyler Myer’s deal expires in three years, the Canucks could make the dollars work on their back end.

I wonder with the Sedins back in the picture, if OEL sees a bit of a resurgence in his career should he land in Vancouver. Swedes have done pretty well there over the years…

Expansion Draft: Edmonton Oilers Set to Lose Valuable Player to Seattle

Oilers Players to Watch:

Zack Kassian: Kassian is the best player who is likely going to be exposed by the Oilers and the Kraken will be able to use his toughness. The rugged winger can score more than he’s giving credit for, and has the hands to keep up with being on a top-two line. His $3.2 million contract for the next three seasons isn’t necessarily ideal for the Kraken, so expect them to select Kassian and perhaps listen to some trade offers. Regardless if they keep him or not, he’s a prime target to get selected.

Caleb Jones: Seth’s brother has been in a ton of trade chatter already this summer as the 24-year-old showed well last season. He’s signed for 2021-22 at $850,000 and becomes a restricted free-agent. The former fourth-round pick played in 33 games last season, recording four points. He hasn’t cracked all his potential just yet and could be given the chance to excel with the Kraken. That’s if he’s not traded for Duncan Keith before July 17.

BLH’s Thoughts: From everything that I’ve gathered since the Oilers’ season ended, I can’t see the club leaving Zack Kassian unprotected. I’ve heard Seattle does like him though.

As for Caleb Jones, I think the odds are that if he’s still in the organization come July 17th, he will be left unprotected.

Mind you, both players have some trade value to the Oilers. So, there’s that to consider.

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