It has been a divisive week for Edmonton Oilers fans as once again, a prospect’s questionable development with the organization is leading to the player wanting out. But on top of the Philip Broberg rumours, let’s take a look at what may (or may not) be happening around the league in this week’s NHL Rumour Roundup.
Philip Broberg: Staying or going?
Back on Tuesday, word spread that Broberg had been granted permission to seek a trade. Ken Holland denied it, much to the player’s agent’s chagrin, but it did bring forth a ton of speculation over his development and fit in the Oilers organization.
Later in the week, Broberg was sent down to the AHL. Was this for the player’s developments sake? Or to showcase for a trade?
At this point, Broberg would be one of the most valuable trading pieces the Oilers possess and any trade to improve any other position would likely include him as a part of the package.
Campbell’s return imminent?
It has been no secret that the Oilers intend to give Jack Campbell another shot in the NHL. But that appears to be on hold as he is still struggling in the AHL. So, will Ken Holland still be actively pursuing the goalie market for a solution now, or will Stuart Skinner be leaned on indefinitely?
With word that San Jose Sharks GM Mike Grier was at the Oilers game on Friday night against Minnesota, it is worth contemplating a potential fit between the two teams. Mackenzie Blackwood, the starting goalie for the Sharks, would be an ideal target for Edmonton. He is cheaper than Campbell and has shown great promise in the past playing well on bad teams, when he was not hurt.
With the Sharks being very early in a rebuild, they might find a prospect like Broberg appealing as he is a few years along in his development already. And for Broberg, he may be interested in a situation where he will get consistent playing time.
Would Seattle part with Larsson?
The Seattle Kraken have not yet lived up to their performance from last season. The team that was sixth in goals for in 202–-23 and 15th in goals against currently sits 28th in goals for and 29th in goals against thus far in 2023–24. Is there a trade solution to start addressing their problems?
Adam Larsson is a valuable shutdown defender who has revitalized his career in Seattle and teams would be interested in him. Elliotte Friedman suggests that his name has come up in discussions as the Kraken try to fix what ails them.
And at a very reasonable $4M cap hit for this season and next, even a cap crunched team would be able to find a way to make this work.
The annual Toronto Maple Leafs defender acquisition
Stemming directly from the above rumour, with the amount of injuries on their defence the Toronto Maple Leafs have suffered leading to their interest in a defender like Nikita Zadorov, would they make a play for Larsson?
Larsson is the exact type of defender the Maple Leafs tend to gravitate towards as a mid-season acquisition, with players like Jake Muzzin and Jake McCabe from past years.
Who else would Toronto target? Calgary Flames defender Chris Tanev, Sean Walker of the Philadelphia Flyers, and (if he is available), Mario Ferraro from the San Jose Sharks would all fit that mold.
The tricky part for the Leafs will be putting together a worthwhile package to send in return, though they do still have their first round pick in the 2024 NHL Draft.
Bear is nearly ready to sign
After undergoing surgery in the offseason and remaining unsigned until this point, former Oilers defender Ethan Bear is nearly ready to return to action and has begun entertaining offers according to Friedman.
The Vancouver Canucks were the initial favourites but now that they have acquired Zadorov and have been outpriced by other teams, they may not be able to bring him back.
In the meantime, Friedman suggests the Washington Capitals are a prominent team trying to sign Bear.
What should the Oilers do with Philip Broberg? Drop a comment down below and come back next week for more NHL rumours.
Photo by Curtis Comeau/Icon Sportswire
This is the year Sean! No next year, as I’m tired of it ….we have 9ur window, to win multiple cups, and lost one already…..so I do believe, we can do it with mr. Bettman’s permission and blessing ..