NHL Rumors Update

NHL Rumors Update for 07/17/2019

The latest NHL rumors from The Hockey Writers.

 

07/17/2019 edition:

By Jim Parsons on Jul 16, 2019 02:05 pm

In today’s NHL rumor rundown, there are updates out of Vancouver and in respect to Brock Boeser’s negotiations, the New York Rangers have made a couple of players available and the Edmonton Oilers might have to revisit the idea of a Milan Lucic for James Neal trade. To one scribe, the deal makes some sense.

Term and Dollars for Brock Boeser?

Jared Clinton of The Hockey News is reporting that Brock Boeser of the Vancouver Canucks might be looking for a Johnny Gaudreau-type contract. Gaudreau is making $7.5 million per season and Boeser might be looking for something similar over six or seven seasons.

Many are thinking he could get anywhere between $6.5 to $8.25 million per season but the term will play a significant role as to what end of the spectrum he falls in.

Rangers Moving a Couple of Forwards

Brett Cyrgalis of the New York Post notes, that the New York Rangers are looking at the trade market, trying to add, but in doing so, have made wingers Vladislav Namestnikov and Pavel Buchnevich available.

Seeing Buchnevich available is a bit of a surprise considering he just posted a career-best 21 goals last season. A good depth option under team control for three more seasons, the Rangers should do well if they choose to move him.

Chris Kreider remains a trade possibility if the team and his people remain far apart on a new deal.

New Direction for Oilers and Lucic?

Ed Duhatschek of The Athletic writes that any chance of Milan Lucic going to Vancouver went out the window when Micheal Ferland was signed. That said, he believes there may be more to the idea of a Lucic for James Neal swap than people think.

Duhatschek writes:

In Edmonton, Neal could potentially play in the top six, where you really can’t see that happening in Calgary – the chemistry between Neal and Gaudreau was zero last year. Part of the push to recruit Neal to Calgary last offseason came thanks to a prior relationship with goaltender Mike Smith, an on off-ice friend who helped sell him on the destination. Smith, of course, no longer tends goal for Calgary. He is now an Oiler.

source – ‘Duhatschek Notebook: Moving Milan Lucic, challenges young players face and preaching patience’ – The Athletic – Eric Duhatschek – 07/12/2019

Would Lucic waive his NTC to go to Calgary? If he sees a potential opportunity there and is really keen to leave Edmonton, that might be possible.

Sticking with the Oilers, it appears now that Ken Holland has called Jesse Puljujarvi and his agent’s bluff, things are in a holding pattern but the likelihood of Puljujarvi playing in Edmonton go up each day.

Kurt Leavins of the Edmonton Journal writes:

The agent claimed he was just looking out for his 21-year old client. And if that indeed was it, well good on him. But what he may end up inadvertently doing is costing that very client an NHL pay cheque. And quite possibly a pro career.

source – ‘The Jesse Puljujarvi conundrum, the Ballad of Archie Henderson and the Edmonton Oilers gamble on Mike Smith: 9 Things’ – Kurt Leavins – The Edmonton Journal – July 14, 2019

Leavins mentions that Holland isn’t feeling bound by any gentlemen’s agreement the old management might have had with Puljujarvi and with no one calling on what many think is “damaged goods” in the player, Puljujarvi is going to need to buck up and showcase his skills to get what he ultimately wants, which is a fresh start.

By Jim Parsons on Jul 15, 2019 11:51 am

In today’s NHL rumor rundown, one NHL columnist thinks the Winnipeg Jets might have their eyes on two young players who may be available out of Dallas and Edmonton, the New York Rangers might be considering an interesting tactic in regards to Jacob Trouba and the Los Angeles Kings were looking to make a splash at one time. Are they still? Plus, there’s new regarding Nick Leddy’s status with the New York Islanders.

Jets to Inquire About Puljujarvi and Honka?

Mike McIntyre of the Winnipeg News thinks the Winnipeg Jets might take some time to check in with the Dallas Stars to see if they are shopping defenseman Julius Honka and what the asking price might be. After losing Tyler Myers and Jacob Trouba, they could use a less expensive defenseman.

He also says the Jets should also be checking in with the Edmonton Oilers and seeing what the cost is for forward Jesse Puljujarvi. He could be a fit, wouldn’t cost a lot and maybe catches fire with Patrik Laine.

Dallas Stars an Option for Canucks?

It’s no secret the Vancouver Canucks are trying to move forward Loui Erikkson. Satiar Shah asks, what about a team like Dallas where Eriksson has a history?

If the Stars had any thoughts that Eriksson could rebound where he once played, they could include Andrew Cogliano who has two seasons left at $3.25 million and/or Blake Comeau who has two seasons left at $2.4 million per season.

Islanders to Trade Nick Leddy?

Brett Cyrgalis of the New York Post mentions that the New York Islanders may take a long look at the idea of trading defenseman Nick Leddy. With three seasons left on his contract and with a number of teams looking for defensive help, this may be the best time to move his $5.5 million per season salary.

The Islanders would then focus on improving their forward corps with the money they save.

Kings Talking to Teams About A Few Trade Ideas

Dennis Bernstein of The Fourth Period reports that the Los Angeles Kings started talking to both the Edmonton Oilers and Arizona Coyotes around the time of the NHL Entry Draft. They were working on some big trade ideas.

Among them, the Kings talked to the Edmonton Oilers about winger Jesse Puljujarvi but didn’t want to take the remaining years of Milan Lucic‘s contract. New Oilers coach Dave Tippett was a fan of Matt Luff, so it was believed he was part of the trade along with a draft pick.

The Kings also spoke with the Arizona Coyotes, possibly moving Jeff Carter and Alex Goligoski.

Where these conversations stand now is unclear but one has to think after adding Phil Kessel, the Arizona discussions have slowed, if not stopped completely.

Rangers and Jacob Trouba Thinking 9-Year Deal?

Larry Brooks of The NY Post is reporting the New York Rangers and Jacob Trouba‘s camp might be looking at a unique loophole in contract negotiations.

Trouba’s arbitration date is set for July 25th and while the Rangers could sign him for a maximum of seven seasons right now, if they allow him to go as far as arbitration and he’s awarded a one-year deal, they could then sign him for another eight seasons making it a nine-year deal when all is said and done.

This tactic is technically illegal to “officially talk about” under the terms of the CBA but if they work this out behind the scenes, it could earn Trouba an extra $15 million while keeping his cap hit under the $7.75 million range. The only risk is Trouba struggling in that one season he’s awarded by an arbitrator and the Rangers choosing to trade him.

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