On the precipice of free agency, things have been fairly quiet around the Edmonton Oilers. Although fans might hope for more movement, the Stanley Cup is not won in the offseason. Still, some speculation surrounds the Oilers as they attempt to bolster their team through the offseason.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the rumbling in this week’s rumour roundup.
Nurse’s contract and trade rumours
The Darnell Nurse saga continues, as his trade request has many believing he has played his last game as an Oiler. With his no-move clause, Nurse must approve of any team he is traded to.
For now, it seems that Nurse’s list only includes three teams, the Pittsburgh Penguins, Boston Bruins, and Philadelphia Flyers. The Flyers seem to be the most interested of the three, though clearly both teams have yet to align. The Flyers might be in on other options, such as Zach Werenski, meaning a decision on Nurse might have to wait. Several Flyers have been linked to the Oilers, like Owen Tippett, while others have been in trade rumours of their own, like Rasmus Ristolainen.
The Anaheim Ducks are rumoured to be pursuing Nurse as well. With a lot of turnover expected on their Ducks blueline, Nurse would provide some stability for the Ducks. At this point it is believed that Nurse does not have interest in joining the Ducks.
Bobrovsky hits free agency
It seems that the Florida Panthers will not be re-signing goalie Sergei Bobrovsky. A two time Vezina Trophy winner, Bobrovsky will be among the top goaltenders to hit unrestricted free agency this summer. There will be several teams interested in his services.
Still, Bobrovsky is nearing the end of his career. His best days might be behind him, especially given his extremely athletic style of play. Regardless, there might still be some magic left for Bobrovsky, and the Oilers should be interested in the high upside he provides.
Goalie trade options
Elsewhere on the goalie market, there are several options available for trade. With Connor Ingram still unsigned, the Oilers still have a lot to figure out in net.
Devon Levi might be an intriguing option for those disappointed that the Oilers missed out on Sebastian Cossa. The young Levi has yet to hold down a regular NHL job, and seems blocked by the depth of the Buffalo Sabres crease.
Jordan Binnington remains a possibility, as the St. Louis Blues have been assertive in getting younger. Joel Hofer might have already stolen Binnington’s role as the starter.
Adin Hill and Jacob Markstrom are more expensive contracts coming off of disappointing seasons. The Oilers might not have either as their first choice, but the duo might become options for the Oilers later in the summer depending on how the offseason unfolds.
Finally, Samuel Montembeault is coming off of a weaker season of his own. All but pushed into irrelevance for the Montreal Canadiens, Montembeault might be inexpensive from a trade cost perspective. His lower cap hit might make him a decent fit for the Oilers.
Should the Oilers target Maccelli?
It seems that the Toronto Maple Leafs will not be extending a qualifying offer to winger Matias Maccelli. A playmaker who often looks more effective in advanced analytics than he does in the eyes of his coaches, Maccelli is intriguing from afar.
The lack of qualifying offer might mean that the Leafs will try to re-sign Maccelli at a lower cap hit, but it will also give him the opportunity to test the market. Rumoured to be looking at adding some forward depth, Maccelli might be a good fit as a playmaker in the Oilers middle six.
More than anything, this news on Maccelli is a reminder that there might be some useful players available after going unqualified as RFAs. The Oilers will need to use every opportunity available to improve their roster.
Marchenko as an upgrade
There is a lot of talk about Columbus Blue Jackets winger Kirill Marchenko. There is doubt about whether he will be willing to re-sign with the team at the end of his current contract. The Jackets acquired fellow Russian Valeri Nichushkin, which might help their cause.
There is no guarantee that Marchenko will be moved, but many are believed to be interested in his services. For the Oilers, this represents an upgrade on the wings, essentially the same rationale for targeting Owen Tippett, Matias Maccelli, or Jake DeBrusk.
Photo by Curtis Comeau/Icon Sportswire
