We are almost two months into the NHL season, and 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.
The Oilers rumours on changes and trades
According to Elliotte Friedman’s recent 32 Thoughts written column, the Edmonton Oilers are inclined to address their issues internally rather than hastily pursue a potentially unfavorable trade. The team is cautious about parting with valuable assets, especially for a marginal upgrade. Consequently, the Oilers aren’t likely to make their first-round pick in this upcoming draft yet. But, based on how the team performs on this upcoming home stand, we may see a change in this. The Oilers have still not left the goalie market.
According to Ryan Rishaug, it seems the Oilers have put everything on the table except Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl for a change up in the lineup. Now, this does not mean we will see a move soon or maybe even at all. But, it does mean that, if the right deal comes along, they will not be scared to pull the trigger.
What about GM and goaltending changes for the Oilers?
Friedman also said on Hockey Night in Canada on Saturday evening that the heavily rumoured favourite for the Oilers General Manager’s position next season, Dave Gagner, is not in the running. It’s been 100% confirmed that he has not been offered the position nor has he ever considered it.
Another tidbit, to Oiler fans this may be more than that, that Friedman dropped is that a goalie coach Jack Campbell worked with last year is now in Bakersfield working with him currently. His name is Manny Legace. Now this brings into question what kind of work Dustin Schwartz has been doing with goalies in the NHL and if Sylvain Rodrigue was a good goalie coach to begin with.
The goalie coach work has been brought into question many times in Edmonton and now this may be a huge red flag to Oilers management. If goalies are asking for their personal goalie coaches to help them, does that mean that the Oilers goalie coaches are not up to NHL standards? We will see.
Another Oilers rumour was brought into question this week and it was about Edmonton acquiring Corey Perry and Petr Mrazek from the Chicago Blackhawks. Since Corey Perry has been not at any practices and Mrazek has not practiced for a few days, there was certainly some smoke. But it seems we can put these to bed for now.
Friedman and Bob Stauffer also reported that the Oilers will most likely give Jack Campbell another chance in the NHL before they make their decision on if they will make a move for a goalie. They are not ready to panic yet.
The Oilers are still very deep in the goalie market. For now, it seems they are very interested in Sam Montembault from Montreal as they have scouted them for some time. Will the Oilers make a move? Frank Seravalli does think we will if Campbell does not work out. The biggest name he brought up is Mackenzie Blackwood who is also a personal favourite of mine.
According to Ryan Rishaug, Edmonton may make a move to just change up the atmosphere in the dressing or bottom pair on their defence. He brought up names like Patrick Maroon. I do not see any move occuring with Minnesota to acquire him. But, it is enticing.
Patrick Kane is ready but not for Florida
It sounds like Patrick Kane’s choice now comes down to two teams and the Florida Panthers is not one of them. While appearing on NHL Network, Elliotte Friedman talked about the latest developments he’s hearing when it comes to Patrick Kane. He noted a couple of days earlier that he believed Kane met with as many as 10 teams, but he’s got it narrowed down to a few now. The favourites are the Detroit Red Wings and the Buffalo Sabres.
What is going on with Corey Perry?
From the Chicago Blackhawks GM, it sounds like Corey Perry is gone for the forseeable future. Now, we do not know why he is gone or what the issue is specifically, but, according to Friedman, it sounds like it may be family based. Therefore, we can put the trade rumours away for now.
Photo by Curtis Comeau/Icon Sportswire
