Today’s NHL news, rumors, and speculation feature the likes of Darcy Kuemper, Tyler Toffoli, Chris Tanev, Alexander Barkov, Nolan Patrick, and many more!
On video Puljujärvi’s coach Mikko Manner’s thoughts on Jesse’s development. Manner says that Jesse’s physique is exceptional. He can practice hard and he enjoys the ”roughing”. Manner says that Jesse’s physique has taken a step forward and he is also… https://t.co/URjS3FuH1P
— Mari Lönnberg (@LonnbergMari) September 11, 2020
The News and Rumors
- The Philadelphia Flyers GM Chuck Fletcher says they are counting on Nolan Patrick to play at “some point” in 2020/21. He’s feeling better, skating, and working out according to Fletcher.
BLH’s Thoughts: There was a time when some folks were wondering if a Nolan Patrick/Jesse Puljujarvi trade was in the works. That’s not important now though. Getting this young man back on the ice and in good health is much more of a priority at this point.
- On SN590, Elliotte Friedman says there’s a lot of interest in Coyotes goalie Darcy Kuemper and Arizona could get a good return for him in a trade. He noted the Flames have looked into him.
BLH’s Thoughts: I think there will be some chatter regarding the Oilers being in on Kuemper but I’m not sold that Edmonton will give up a first-round draft pick this year or next for a goalie that’s only under contract for two more years. Plus there has to be questions about his ability to stay healthy.
- During Friedman’s appearance on SN960 radio, he said the relationship between the Vegas Golden Knights and netminder Marc-Andre Fleury is damaged. It’s clear Fleury is unhappy and Vegas management was no pleased with his agent’s tweet.
BLH’s Thoughts: Bob Stauffer was dropping subtle Fleury hints during his show on Friday. Most of them surrounding a trade scenario where Edmonton would send James Neal to the Golden Knights and Vegas would eat $2M/yr on Fleury’s remaining two years.
I love The Flower. He’d be a really great veteran addition to this emerging Oilers team. He has a reputation for being a great dressing room guy and he’s one of the most successful post-season goalies of all-time.
- In his 31 Thoughts blog, the Sportsnet NHL insider reiterated that the Vancouver Canucks’ biggest desire is to rebuild the defense. They’d like to keep veterans Chris Tanev and Troy Stetcher but are worried about asking prices.
BLH’s Thoughts: Wasn’t Tanev the partner of Quinn Hughes in the playoffs? They seemed to do quite well, no? I can see why the Canucks would like to keep him, but he’s got VIP status in Vancouver’s medical bay. I can’t see how he’s going to survive a compressed Schedule next year and I’m sure I read somewhere that the Maple Leafs had some interest in him.
If they leave, would Jim Benning have any interest in acquiring his nephew, Matt Benning?
- Friedman, on his 31 Thoughts podcast, said there’s a storyline that nobody is paying attention to – Alexander Barkov is only 2 years from unrestricted free agency…
- Sportsnet 650’s Brendan Batchelor reports that Tyler Toffoli wants to talk to Vancouver Canucks GM Jim Benning and his no.1 priority is to stay with Vancouver.
- Darren Dreger said on TSN1050 that a January 1st start date to the 2020/21 NHL season is more realistic than a December 1st one. Says the delay is in hope of bringing at least some fans back to the arenas.
- Switching over to TSN1290, Dreger mentioned that he wouldn’t be surprised if Patrik Laine got traded and if he’s not playing for the Jets, it’s because Winnipeg got a hell of a return for him.
The Oilers Speculation
Random trade proposal: Rights to Andreas Athanasiou and Matt Benning to Anaheim for Josh Manson. Thoughts?
The feeling I’m getting is that the Oilers realize that this offseason might be their only opportunity to seriously upgrade the roster this offseason. Almost half of the league is looking to set a hard internal cap and as a result, they’re looking to move some real quality NHLers with the prices set low, dollar-wise.
High-quality vets such as Bryan Rust and Patric Hornqvist out of Pittsburgh in addition to Darcy Kuemper, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Antti Raanta, and most of the Coyotes defense are available. I bet Phil Kessel could be playing elsewhere if the right deal could be found. For some reason, Florida is taking calls on Sasha Barkov, Jonathan Huberdeau, and Aaron Ekblad as well as veterans Anton Stralman and Keith Yandle. Buffalo has gritty Finn Rasmus Ristolainen, Jeff Skinner, Brandon Montour, and Colin Miller on the block… That’s just four teams…
The Oilers look to be prioritizing an upgrade on their top-pair on defense as well as bringing in another competent goaltender to share the duties with Mikko Koskinen. My guess is possibly two out of these four players could be on their way to Edmonton in the next calendar year, Ekman-Larsson, Ekblad, Thomas Greiss, or Anton Khudobin.
I realize that there’s some urgency to find a third-line center but it wouldn’t shock me if the Oilers gave a serious look at Gaetan Haas there to the chagrin of Ryan Rishaug. If they fail to move JJ Khaira, he’ll be there as a backup plus they’ll have speedster Ryan McLeod in Bakersfield as a recall option.
Edmonton has to be looking south to Denver as their main competition for the Western Conference champs in 2021 and it’s very possible that they could add some really serious talent, but only for one year. Some think Taylor Hall for a year @$8M in addition to one of the top goalies that will be available. After 2020/21 though, they have to re-up Gabby Landeskog and Cale Makar… All that extra cap space will be gonzo then.
Calgary is also looking to make some mad splashes too. Targeting the same players as Edmonton. Vancouver will feel confident coming off of a relatively successful playoff performance too.
The Oilers could very well play it safe and stick to the plan, but I’m thinking there’s some real internal pressure to get this team into the upper-echelon of the league given the unique opportunity that has been presented to them.
Hopefully, they act on it in a better way than the last regime did with their chance(s).
