NHL Rumors Update

NHL Rumors Update for 03/20/2019

March 20, 2019

The latest NHL rumors from The Hockey Writers.

 

03/20/2019 edition:

By Jim Parsons on Mar 19, 2019 01:26 pm

In today’s NHL rumor rundown, indications as to the direction of the Edmonton Oilers came out of their season seat breakfast on Monday, there are some updates on the Buffalo Sabres and what they’ll do with a number of their assets this offseason and the New York Rangers might be running into some contract complications with forward Chris Kreider.

Oilers Will Not Have a GM Prior to NHL Draft

At the Edmonton Oilers season seat breakfast on Monday, CEO and vice-chairman of the Oilers Entertainment Group, Bob Nicholson answered a few questions from fans. One of the most interesting confirmations he provided was that the team will likely not have a general manager in place by the time the NHL Entry Draft rolls around.

CEO and Vice-Chair, Oilers Entertainment Group, Bob Nicholson (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson)

Nicholson admitted that teams who employ managers the Oilers would like to speak have not given the permission needed to speak further and as such, the team has endorsed their faith in Keith Gretzky to run the show at the NHL Draft. While it is expected Gretzky can handle the load, simply put, the team had little choice.

While the Oilers have said they will take their time with the next GM hire (and they probably will), there is some concern that not having a GM in place before big dates like the draft of NHL free agency might lead the team towards another hasty hire. Nicholson also admitted he was guilty of doing such a thing in the past when he didn’t even bother to interview former GM Peter Chiarelli.

Buffalo Sabres Quick Rumor Hits

Lance Lysowski of the Buffalo News reported a few updates on the Buffalo Sabres plans going into and through the offseason. The biggest among them is what could be conceived as good news regarding forward Jeff Skinner.

Buffalo Sabres’ Sam Reinhart (23), Jeff Skinner and Jack Eichel (9) celebrate a goal during the third period of the team’s NHL hockey game against the Montreal Canadiens, Friday, Nov. 23, 2018, in Buffalo N.Y. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes)

First, the plan is to add more size and physical presence. Second, Lysowski believes the team will get Skinner signed and that he won’t be going anywhere. Third, both Carter Hutton and Linus Ullmark will be back next season and finally, Jason Pominville would love to return to the Sabres next season but doesn’t see it happening.

There is also speculation that pending RFAs Johan Larsson and/or Zemgus Girgensons may not be back and that defensemen Marco Scandella, Rasmus Ristolainen and Matt Hunwick could be shopped in trade.

Needless to say, the Sabres will be busy.

Kreider Won’t Report to Rangers Camp

Larry Brooks of the New York Post writes that there is “not even the slightest chance” Chris Kreider will report to New York Rangers training camp in the fall without a contract extension in place. The speculation is that should the Rangers and Kreider struggle to find ground on an extension, he would be traded.

Chris Kreider, New York Rangers, Mar. 22, 2018 (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)

Whether the Rangers choose to offer Kreider an expensive extension will be interesting to watch. The team is rumored to want to make the rebuilding process as speedy as possible and moving Kreider for draft picks and prospects certainly slows down their odds of being successful right away. It also lessens the odds they would go all-in for a player like Artemi Panarin if they aren’t prepared to surround him with proven pieces.

Kreider is just two goals and four points from his previous season highs. There would be a number lot of teams lining up for his services if available. He’s got one more season at $4.625 million after this one before he requires a new deal.

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By Jim Parsons on Mar 18, 2019 01:36 pm

In today’s NHL rumor rundown, there are updates on Joel Quenneville and future prospects for him to coach again in the NHL, the Ottawa Senators are looking to bring over one of their college prospects, and the New York Rangers have plans regarding their rebuild heading into next season.

Quenneville Getting Coaching Itch

Former Chicago Blackhawks head coach Joel Quenneville was fired earlier this year and while there was speculation he wouldn’t be out of a coaching job very long, things have been fairly quiet on that front. He recently told Dan Roan of WGN9 that he’s getting the itch again.

Joel Quenneville (Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports)

Saying he watches a lot of hockey games, he added, “It’s been a while now since we’ve been behind the bench, so I think there’s an appetite as we’re going along here to get back into the game.” 

Quenneville will be one of many coaches available for vacancies this offseason, but he may be among the most coveted coaches potentially available. At 60 years old he has an 890-532-77-137 record over his career, has won the Stanley Cup three times.

As for how quickly he’ll want to make it known teams should start calling him, he said, “We’re in no hurry right now. We’ll see how things transpire in the off-season. We’ll have to think about it and we’ll see.”

Senators to Sign Josh Norris

Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reports (video link) that the Ottawa Senators are likely to try and sign prospect Josh Norris, convince him to forego his final two years of college eligibility and join the NHL organization.

The Ottawa Senators are looking to bring over Josh Norris. (courtesy United States Hockey League)

Norris is currently injured so he wouldn’t actually join the team and play any games to close out this season but the Sens would like to bring him in with the expectation that he’ll not be going back to college.

There will probably be questions by some about this approach considering he isn’t eligible for the Seattle expansion draft and his injury has caused him to lose development time. He might be better served staying where he is and if he struggles after coming over, it will be considered a rushed move by the Senators.

Blue Jackets Expected to Sign Merzlikins

According to Aaron Portzline of The Athletic, the Columbus Blue Jackets will soon be signing goaltender Elvis Merzlikins to his entry-level contract. The expectation is that Merzlikins will immediately join the Cleveland Monsters of the AHL and debut next weekend.

The Athletic: Blue Jackets closing in on contract with goaltender Elvis Merzlikins, who could arrive next weekend; debut with @monstershockey likely later this month #CBJ https://t.co/crNCpfCeRw pic.twitter.com/IxmToLmTq0

— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) March 18, 2019

Will Merzlikins see any time with Columbus this season? Portzline writes:

Merzlikins will factor heavily in the Blue Jackets’ plans in the post-Bobrovsky era, but it’s unclear if the Jackets would rely on a Merzlikins-Joonas Korpisalo combination next season or if they’d seek to add a veteran via free agency. It appears unlikely Merzlikins will play in the NHL this season.

source – ‘Blue Jackets closing in on contract with goaltender Elvis Merzlikins, who could arrive next weekend’ – Aaron Portzline – The Athletic – 03/18/2019

Merzlikins is an interesting player to watch because he’s going to be a restricted free agent with no NHL experience and it will be intriguing to see what the Blue Jackets give him on a contract extension.

Rangers to Take Big Run at Panarin

Elliotte Friedman had a Friday morning radio hit on Calgary’s Sportsnet 960 and when talking about the New York Rangers said, “It’s going to be an interesting summer for those guys because they’re going into the free agent waters, and they’re not going to be tip-toeing in – they’re going to be diving in.”

The Blackhawks moved Panarin in the midst of cap issues. (Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports)

While the team is going through a somewhat public rebuild, Friedman believes the organization is looking at speeding up the process exponentially by landing a couple of big fish this summer, Artemi Panarin among them. “I think it’ll be interesting to see Panarin, I think they’re going to take a big run at him. We’ll see what else is out there,” Friedman said.

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By Jim Parsons on Mar 17, 2019 02:00 pm

In today’s NHL rumor rundown, there are updates on the Vancouver Canucks, the Tampa Bay Lightning and Steve Yzerman, the Toronto organization and their coaches and Pete DeBoer and the Sharks.

Loui Eriksson Gone After July 1?

We reported the other day that after being a healthy scratch from the Canucks lineup, the team might look at options to move Loui Eriksson. The issue for Eriksson is his salary and lack of production. Iain MacIntyre wrote on Twitter that the Vancouver Canucks owe the forward a $4 million bonus on July 1st. Perhaps he’ll be easier to move after that bonus is paid out.

Loui Eriksson, Vancouver Canucks, Nov. 21, 2017 (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)

After July 1, Eriksson is only owed $9 million over the final three years of his contract and that could be an attractive option for a team looking for a higher salary cap player with a lower payout required. If the Canucks chose to retain some salary, there might almost certainly be a buyer.

MacIntyre also wrote Canucks GM Jim Benning did say that his plan is to speak with the rest of their staff to see where Eriksson fits in with their future plans. If the Canucks determine he’s not part of their future, they’ll need to chat with him and convince him to waive his full no-trade clause.

Canucks Bringing in Jett Woo?

Sticking with the Canucks, Sportsnet’s Rick Dhaliwal writes that the team is considering bringing in physical blueliner and prospect Jett Woo. The team has undergone positive talks with Woo’s representation after the he had a breakout season with the WHL’s Moose Jaw Warriors. Woo has scored 12 goals, 62 points and 63 penalty minutes in 61 games this season.

Maple Leafs Non-Head Coaching

Citing the video footage of the Saturday Headlines Segment, Mike Johnston of Sportsnet wrote Nick Kypreos said that Toronto Maple Leafs assistant coach D.J. Smith could get some interest from teams this offseason, including the Ottawa Senators. The Senators are looking for a new head coach after letting go of Guy Boucher.

#MapleLeafs assistant coach D.J. Smith could be a candidate for an NHL head coaching job.https://t.co/SmYZzQBmve

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) March 17, 2019

Kypreos said that Smith has been on the radar of other NHL teams before, having almost landed the job with the New York Islanders until Barry Trotz became available.

Also with the Maple Leafs coaching staff, the organization is expected to extend AHL head coach Sheldon Keefe. While he might be worthy of an NHL position, the Maple Leafs want to keep him in the AHL and as such are prepared to make him the highest paid AHL coaches in history.

The team would also have to include an out for him to take an NHL job if another organization came knocking.

Pete DeBoer to Get Contract Extension

While his contract will be coming due at the end of this season, Kypreos also said that the San Jose Sharks are expected to sign head coach Pete DeBoer to a multi-year deal.

Peter DeBoer, Joe Thornton and Joe Pavelski, San Jose Sharks, Nov. 28, 2017 (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)

Despite some key injuries, the San Jose Sharks have the second-best record in the Pacific Division and the second-best record in the Western Conference. His tenure with the Sharks wasn’t always secure but with the way the team is finishing the season — a 43-21-8 record, good enough for fourth best in the NHL — the Sharks have indicated their desire to keep him around, especially through what might be some bigger changes in personnel over the summer.

Lightning Letting Yzerman Move Slowly

Joe Smith of The Athletic writes that the Tampa Bay Lightning going to let Steve Yzerman take the time he needs to make a decision regarding his future with the organization.

Steve Yzerman (Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports)

Smith writes that current GM Julien BriseBois said:

“I think he’s happy right now. He’s found some balance that he’s happy with. But I can’t speak for him. I know I’ve enjoyed working with him. I’m trying to make it so it’s a good experience for him. But that’s all I can say right now.”

source – ‘ Steve Yzerman’s future remains uncertain after year behind the scenes with Lightning: ‘We’re still his team’ – Joe Smith – The Athletic – 03/15/2019

The expectation seems to be that Yzerman will wind up in Detroit and as their new GM (replacing Ken Holland). That said, while Detroit seems to be the favorite, the Edmonton Oilers and Seattle expansion franchise would be interested.

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By Jim Parsons on Mar 16, 2019 12:49 pm

In today’s NHL rumor rundown, there is speculation the Edmonton Oilers might be looking to Detroit as they search for their next general manager, there are rumors of a change in Buffalo and details as to why the Jeff Skinner extension is taking so long, and the Ducks might shut down Ryan Kesler.

Ken Holland Being Linked to Oilers

According to Elliotte Friedman in his latest 31 Thoughts column, the Edmonton Oilers have interest in hiring Detroit Red Wings general manager Ken Holland if the Wings move on from him or brings in Steve Yzerman once Yzerman’s contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning expires.

CHICAGO, IL – JUNE 24: General manager Ken Holland of the Detroit Red Wings. (Photo by Dave Sandford/NHLI via Getty Images)

For now, Keith Gretzky is holding down the role of general manager on an interim basis in Edmonton and the team just announced he will run the NHL Entry Draft in that spot. He’s also a candidate for the job. That said, Gretzky isn’t as likely to land the permanent role and has said he’s not overly interested. It appears he’d rather stay with the Oilers organization as they look for a full-time replacement and one of those candidates appears to now be Holland.

In the meantime, as part of the tasks being undertaken by interim GM Gretzky, Jim Matheson says the Oilers could look at some of the older European free agents that might be able to step right into their lineup.

What’s Holding Up the Jeff Skinner Deal?

In an appearance on Sportsnet 590, Friedman noted that the holdup on an extension between the Buffalo Sabres and forward Jeff Skinner seems to be the length of term Skinner is seeking. Skinner wants a ton of money (potentially as much as $9 million per season) over a longer term and the Sabres are unsure he’s worth it.

Buffalo Sabres Jeff Skinner is stopped by Tampa Bay Lightning Louis Domingue (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes)

Skinner, a pending UFA got off to a great start but has slowed down considerably with just six goals over his last 25 games. He may score 40 goals by the time the season comes to a close, but he might not top 70 points. For a player whose career best is 63 and has now proven himself to be streaky, $9 million per season on a long-term deal carries risk.

TSN’s Bob McKenzie said he believes if the Sabres can lock Skinner in on a deal closer to $8 million per season, they would do the deal.

Friedman also suggested that the Sabres won’t be afraid to move on from Skinner and go another direction if a deal can’t be reached, and Skinner isn’t the only one Buffalo would consider moving. The season hasn’t always gone as well as the team might have hoped considering the strong start they got off to and, in the back of people’s minds, there is the way the season ended last year and the comments made by Ryan O’Reilly. That’s not lost on a team that might feel the need to switch things up in the offseason if they don’t finish strong.

Ryan Kesler Done for Season?

Anaheim Ducks GM and coach Bob Murray told Elliott Teaford of the Orange County Register that he doesn’t know if Ryan Kesler will play again this season. With the Ducks now firmly out of the playoff picture, the team may just choose to shut him down for the year and start the recovery process from his chronic hip pain.

With just eight points on the season, you can hardly call Kesler’s season an effective one. Teaford wrote in his article:

Asked after Friday’s morning skate at Pepsi Center whether it would be better to simply shut down Kesler for the remainder of the season, treat his hip during the offseason and regroup for training camp in September, Murray said, “If he were willing to do that, that would be fine. We’ll see.”

source – ‘Ducks say Ryan Kesler could be done for the season’ – Elliott Teaford – Orange County Register – 03/15/2019

Islanders to Shop Nick Leddy?

Arthur Staple of The Athletic writes that the New York Islanders might be willing to move Nick Leddy thanks to the emergence of some of their younger players this season.

Rumors are, the Islanders could move Nick Leddy. (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)

Staple writes:

This is not to say that Leddy isn’t a part of what the Islanders are doing. He’s still among the best skaters in the game and three scouts who regularly watch the Islanders agree that Leddy, who turns 28 next week, is still a valuable commodity in the league… “He may not be a top-pair guy and maybe he never was,” one scout said. “But on the right team as a solid No. 3, he could put a team over the top.”

source – ‘As the Islanders’ ‘Core Four’ of young defensemen hit their stride, Nick Leddy becomes more expendable’ – Arthur Staple – The Athletic – 03/14/2019

Leddy will soon be 28 years old and has three years left on his contract at a $5.5 million per season. It is believed by some that Leddy could fetch the Islanders a top-six forward and the team is actively looking for another scorer, with rumors they have eyes on Matt Duchene or Artemi Panarin in free agency.

Other teams perhaps connected to Leddy would be the Oilers (involving Ryan Nugent-Hopkins), the Toronto Maple Leafs and Winnipeg Jets.

Pierre LeBrun added regarding the Islanders: “Whatever happens this summer, I think the Isles will be involved in many things on many fronts. They’ve got cap room and a desire to add.”

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