Good morning hockey fans! As we mentioned last week, we’re going to up the content production here! We’ve talked to the fine gents over at The Scoring Touch and they’ve agreed to post some of their daily NHL rumors here at Beer League Heroes!
Now, if you don’t know, The Scoring Touch is the official website of The Puck Report from Instagram and Twitter. They produce some really rad IG graphics and are on the ball NHL news-wise on Twitter as well. You definitely need to give them a follow if you aren’t already!
The plan I have for this new segment is to comment on some of the speculations that are out there from an Edmonton Oilers perspective to try and keep things interesting during this next four-month layoff…
Today’s speculation will cover Ottawa’s picks, a Jack Johnson and Matt Murray trade package, a possible Toronto Maple Leafs signing, the Minnesota Wild’s future at center and more.
- Ottawa Sun: Senators owner Eugene Melnyk confirmed the club will NOT be trading their 3rd and 5th overall picks in this coming draft, despite speculation they would look at trading them for the 1st overall selection.Bruce Garrioch notes, however, that “the expectation is the Montreal Canadiens will make a pitch for 1st overall because they were one of the most vocal teams about having a shot at the pick during the discussions about the lottery format.”
BLH’s Thoughts: Will Marc Bergevin make a Mike Ditka-like trade to get Alexis Lafrenniere at the draft? If you don’t remember, in 1999, at the NFL draft, Ditka traded every pick he had to select a running back by the name of Ricky Williams. Ultimately, it didn’t work out but it was a massive story at the time.
I think it’s probably best for the Sens long-term success if they keep the picks because they’re most likely going to have a shot at two of Quinton Byfield, Tim Stutzle, Jamie Drysdale, Cole Perfetti, or Marco Rossi.
- Michael Russo, TheAthletic (subscription required): “Jonas Brodin can become a free agent next summer, so if the Wild decide he’s too expensive to re-sign, trading him this off-season or in the middle of next season seems an absolute given. Brodin, like Dumba, is the type of chip that could probably land a center” – which Minnesota will need with Koivu likely gone and Staal being 36 with one year left on his contract.Russo lists the Wild’s trade options for potential top six centers: William Nylander, Max Domi, Anthony Cirelli (offer sheet possible too), Tyler Johnson, Dylan Strome, Ryan Strome, Alex Kerfoot, Adam Henrique, Jared McCann, and Adam Gaudette.
Free agent options: Erik Haula, Mikael Granlund, Alex Galchenyuk (re-sign), and Derick Brassard.
BLH’s Thoughts: This will be an unpopular idea, but Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is going to he a UFA after next season as well. Now, I’m not sure about his appetite to re-sign in Edmonton but if, for the sake of conversation, he says he’d like to play elsewhere; you have to move him and get what you can. Would it be prudent for the Oilers to re-explore an RNH for Dumba trade?
- Dan Kingerski: Matt Murray’s trade value in a flooded market this off-season likely doesn’t exceed that of Robin Lehner (2nd round pick, prospect, roster player), but can be closely compared to Philipp Grubauer (2nd round pick and a prospect or favor).That “favor” could potentially be a team taking on Nick Bjugstad or Jack Johnson’s contract together with acquiring Matt Murray. There is some talk around the Penguins organization such a combo of Murray and one of those players as a package in a deal is on the radar.”
BLH’s Thoughts: If the price on Murray is a 2nd round pick and a prospect/favor, Oilers GM Ken Holland has to have his nose all up in this. Does Athanasiou and Puljujarvi for Matt Murray make sense?
- Nashville Predators GM David Poile says he doesn’t have an answer yet as to how situations with pending UFAs Craig Smith and Mikael Granlund will play out. Adds he could circle back and speak with their agents in a couple of weeks to discuss potential contract extensions.
BLH’s Thoughts: As I’ve said before, Craig Smith should definitely be a target for the Oilers. When he’s on the ice, the goal share is tilted his direction in a big way. As for Granlund, he could be an option but I’m not as stoked about him as I am about Smith to be honest.
- Ryan S. Clark, TheAthletic (subscription required): The Colorado Avalanche will use the upcoming off-season to strike a deal with RFA Andre Burakovsky that works for all sides involved. He has repaid their faith in him with his performance this season.
- Joshua Kloke, TheAthletic (subscription required): The Maple Leafs could sign Harvard forward Nick Abruzzese to an entry-level contract. The prospect would then forgo his college eligibility, and wouldn’t begin playing games until December. His other option is to not sign with Toronto, and instead go to Europe for game-time then see if the college hockey season starts up again.The Leafs are strongly considering loaning out a few of their other prospects to Europe to gain experience and game time before minor league and NHL seasons begin in December.
For more NHL Rumors, please visit The Scoring Touch!
