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 The Athletic
Why this makes sense for the Oilers
Daniel Nugent-Bowman, Oilers beat writer: The Oilers could use an upgrade at No. 2 left defense, especially if Oscar Klefbom can’t play again in 2021-22. At the very least, it’s looking unlikely that Klefbom will return to action in time for the start of the season after shoulder surgery in March, his agent J.P. Barry told The Athletic earlier this week.
Keith could fit in behind No. 1 blueliner Darnell Nurse to solidify the left side. The Oilers value Keith’s excellent NHL resume but realize the two-time Norris Trophy winner isn’t the same player. Chicago retaining salary or taking on a bad contract seems to be how a deal for the soon-to-be 38-year-old would make sense for the Oilers.
Why this makes sense for the Blackhawks
Scott Powers, Blackhawks senior writer: Keith is the one who approached the Blackhawks about possibly moving him this offseason, according to a source. He would like to be closer to his son, who he barely saw last season. Keith has obviously done a lot for the Blackhawks over the years, so I’m sure they want to do right by him.
Also, this could benefit the Blackhawks in freeing cap space and turning the page from another member of their core. Trading Keith could help the Blackhawks pursue another No. 1 defenseman.
BLH’s Thoughts: If Edmonton can’t manage to get Chicago to eat 25% or more of Keith’s contract, they need to be okay with walking away. I’m a huge fan of veterans like him and I love the story behind bringing Keith to Edmonton, the mental acumen that he’d be able to offer the club is hard to find too, however, there will be other opportunities to trade for a 2nd pair LHD. Ken Holland mustn’t let Keith’s playing history cloud his ability to do what’s best for the club. With the expansion draft just around the corner, there will be other opportunities.
From NHL Trade Talk
Critical Date for Flames Approaching in Respect to Gaudreau Trade
The Calgary Flames have a critical date coming up as it pertains to the future of Johnny Gaudreau in Calgary. The forward has one year remaining on his current $6.75 million contract, but more than that, by July 28th, the team needs to decide if they want to trade him or not because, afterwards, they might not be able to.
BLH’s Thoughts: At that price point, Johnny Hockey is a steal. The Flames need to address their defense badly and so, they should definitely be entertaining offers on this player. Could they move him to Minnesota for a package built around Matt Dumba? The Wild defenseman played his junior hockey just up the road in Red Deer and bringing him back to Alberta could soften the blow of losing the team’s best offensive player.
From NHLTradeRumors.me
2 Teams Who Are Favorites to Sign Jaden Schwartz
Stan Sweeney has the LA Kings and the Edmonton Oilers as favorites to sign Blues forward Jaden Schwartz. Here’s what he had to say regarding Edmonton,
- Edmonton Oilers: The Oilers are desperate for secondary scoring and Schwartz could easily slide into either of the team’s top-two lines. Again, another western conference team who is very familiar with the player and could potentially offer in the neighborhood of a three-year deal. At 29-years-old, he’s smack in the middle of his prime and the Oilers would hope playing with Connor McDavid would go a long way to getting back to scoring almost 30-goals a season. It’s all going to come down to money and if the Blues let Schwartz walk, expect to see Edmonton in the mix.
BLH’s Thoughts: I wonder if the Oilers could get Schwartz on a bit of a deal, a show-me contract, if you will. His production has been in decline recently and the current NHL economy coupled with the contract Ryan Nugent-Hopkins signed might have a detrimental impact on what Schwartz may get.
Sweeney says the Toronto Maple Leafs have their eyes on Jamie Oleksiak (DAL), Travis Hamonic (VAN), and Adam Larsson (EDM).
- Adam Larsson, Edmonton Oilers: The Oilers and Larsson continue to talk contract but if he goes to market the Maple Leafs will inquire about the price tag. Larsson would be an upgrade to Zach Bogosian for Toronto, but will be more expensive. Last season in 56 games, he recorded 10 points, averaging just under 20 minutes a night of ice-time.
BLH’s Thoughts: Do you wanna see how fast a fanbase can turn on a player?… This scenario is scary to think about.
Rumor: Chicago, Edmonton & Columbus Could Pull Off Blockbuster 3-Way Deal
- Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet broke the Duncan Keith trade rumors and it turns out the Edmonton Oilers have emerged as a heavy favorite and could be dangling Caleb Jones. Throw in the fact the Columbus Blue Jackets are also talking to the Chicago Blackhawks about a Seth Jones (Caleb’s brother) trade and we could have ourselves a massive three-way blockbuster with family involved.
BLH’s Thoughts: I’m a huge fan of 3-ways…
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