The NHL season may have just started, but rumours and speculations have never stopped. These rumours are the ones we’ve heard about from the last week and from the weeks before. I’ve added some tidbits in there that may hint to future trades.
Notable waiver wire update
In a surprising move, the Columbus Blue Jackets waived first-round pick Liam Foudy yesterday afternoon. The 18th overall pick of the 2018 NHL Entry Draft was highly touted in that year. His seasons in Junior weren’t as spectacular as the hype that surrounded him, but there was no question that he had a lot of hype coming into professional hockey.
Foudy has certainly shown off his skill set in the AHL as he has racked up 35 points in just 41 games but the NHL is where his game falters. He has scored only a paltry 19 points in 89 games, but what is most notable in a negative sense are his goal totals. He has only scored seven goals. When watching him play, you can certainly see the speed that he has but the hands have not caught up to him yet. Foudy is only 23 years old and he’s only played one game this season. However, he had to be waived in order for Columbus to make room for Zach Werenski.
I am willing to guess that one of the lower level teams, such as San Jose, may take a swing at him.
Trade rumours and discussions
Canucks and Garland
The Vancouver Canucks are taking any means necessary to move top six winger Conor Garland. They are willing to retain salary on him to move him as quick as possible. According to David Pagnotta, there has been some movement on this discussion and a third team and, perhaps even a fourth team, is involved. There have been talks with the Nashville Predators, Washington Capitals, and the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Canucks are starting to get creative with this discussion and we may see Garland be moved very quickly in the coming weeks.
Bruins and Senators’ Pinto
The Boston Bruins centre depth is very weak this season with no Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci. There have been discussions made about Boston taking a swipe on Senators unsigned centre, Shane Pinto. Ottawa does not have the cap space to sign him so they may get more interest in the young player.
Oilers need to make a move
Edmonton Oilers top-six winger Evander Kane is also on his way to becoming a trade target. Oilers haven’t had that great of a start, even though it’s only been four games. The whole team is imbalanced and one of the players not in balance is Kane. He started off last season very strong and has been very good for them. But, this season, he has started off very slow. In the four games played, he has scored no goals or assists and has not even been a positive factor in the physical department.
On Oilers Now this week, Oilers Insider Bob Stauffer and Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman talked about rumours and both hinted quite a bit at the Oilers making a move sooner than later. Most notably, Stauffer talked about how Edmonton need a top four right-handed defencemen who is more of a stay at home style. He mentioned getting a player in the mold of Luke Schenn and Dylan Demelo. He also talked about how the Oilers still need a fourth line centre and they missed out on their opportunity for Sam Lafferty. We may see the Oilers make a move on defence soon.
Where will Kane go?
Patrick Kane is almost ready to get started in the NHL again and the teams interested in him are the Detroit Red Wings, Buffalo Sabres, and the New York Rangers. According to Elliotte Friedman on his podcast, 32 Thoughts, he believes the Dallas Stars are the most likely team to acquire his skill. “Someone was listening to the podcast the other day and gave me a call and said that they are buying your theory on Patrick Kane and Dallas,” Friedman said. He also stated, “put it this way, I’d be putting down money on the Stars.”
This is what we’ve heard so far. If any more updates come up or any more rumours, we will have it for you on next week’s update!
Photo by: Brett Holmes/Icon Sportswire
