Weekly Rumours – The latest on the Oilers, RNH, Hamilton, and Eichel
2 years ago
Things are heating up around the NHL as we continue to creep closer to the offseason. We have known for a while that there will be some big names available this summer and now, we’re starting to get some rather substantial rumblings. Before I get to the likes of @Dougie Hamilton and @Jack Eichel, I want to talk about some recent information we got surrounding @Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.
In this week’s ‘31 Thoughts’ Elliotte Friedman said that Nugent-Hopkins and the Oilers are grinding to find common ground. A vague statement I suppose, but it does show us that the two sides are talking and that they want to try to find a deal that works.
I believe the solution will involve the Oilers adding a little bit of term (maybe a sixth year) in exchange for lowering the AAV. I believe Nugent-Hopkins could get more on the open market, but I don’t think he’ll find a team willing to give him more than $6.5 million per year, especially in a flat-cap world. They’re searching for common ground, but we really don’t know what common ground looks like. My guess? It’s either five years at $5.75 million per season or six years at $5.25 per season. Something around those numbers.
The other name that has been thrown around the rumour mill is @Jake DeBrusk. He’s been connected to the Oilers for a while now but the trade rumours aren’t going away. The Oilers clearly need to add some depth on the left-wing and if they’re interested in DeBrusk, it would make sense. He’d be a really good fit.
It’s certainly a name to keep an eye on but for now, it feels like Hollands priority is taking care of his own pending free agents.
Here are some other big headlines from around the league.
DOUGIE HAMILTON
Jun 8, 2021; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Dougie Hamilton (19) looks on against the Tampa Bay Lightning in game five of the second round of the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs at PNC Arena. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
The Carolina Hurricanes have given Hamilton and his camp permission to speak with other teams to see if there is a fit. It’s an unusual move but honestly, the more I think about it, the more it makes sense.
The Hurricanes know what their final offer can be so if Hamilton goes to market now and finds a team that will beat it, then the Hurricanes can trade his rights and recoup some assets. If Hamilton goes to market and finds out that there isn’t a better fit out there, then the Hurricanes offer could suddenly become more appetizing. It’s kind of a win-win for everyone involved.
Friedman did say that he could see the Seattle Kraken being interested in Hamilton. They’ll have the cap space and you know they’d be itching to make a big splash in their first summer as an NHL team.
There was some initial speculation that the Philadelphia Flyers would be interested but Friedman is reporting that isn’t the case. He instead has connected them to names like Seth Jones or Matt Dumba.
In the case of Jones, Friedman says the Blue Jackets should rip the bandaid off quickly and a few weeks ago when Chris Johnston appeared on The DFO Rundown, he said that he doesn’t expect Jones to make it through the summer as a member of the Blue Jackets. A Jones deal sounds like it will happen, it’s simply just a matter of time.
While on the topic of defenseman, Lance Lysowski on The Buffalo News reported that the New Jersey Devils have shown interest in Rasmus Ristolainen. Friedman added that the Devils would be open to acquiring Shayne Gostisbehere if the Flyers included a sweetener. He also figured the Devils might be intrigued by the possibility to adding Hamilton.
THE LATEST ON EICHEL
Earlier this week, Pierre LeBrun passed along what he’s hearing when it comes to the Buffalo Sabres and their disgruntled star forward. LeBrun says that talks are certainly heating up and while he wouldn’t go as far as to say that it’s certain Eichel will be dealt before the Stanley Cup is awarded, he did seem to think it’s possible.
He added that Sabres GM Kevyn Adams will certainly want another first-round pick to use at this year’s draft. LeBrun went on to name the LA Kings, New York Rangers, Minnesota Wild, Anaheim Ducks, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Philadelphia Flyers as teams who will be interested. But you can imagine there will likely be more.
Could the Sabres give other teams permission to talk to Eichel before the deal? Friedman said that he doesn’t get the sense that will happen. Eichel still has five more years left on his deal too, so aside from the injury concern, not too much of a reason for it to happen other than to make sure there’s a good fit.
QUICK NOTES
- LeBrun also connected Rick Tocchet to the Seattle Kraken. He would be a great hire as their first Head Coach. He also mentioned that Gerard Gallant got just under $3.5 million per year on a four-year deal to be the Head Coach of the Rangers.
- Friedman reported that former NHLer Mike Van Ryn interviewed for the Coyotes Head Coaching job and he appears to be a legit contender for the gig. He also mentioned that Arizona was impressed with current Stars Assistant Coach and Former Edmonton Oilers employee Todd Nelson. Would be cool to see Nelson finally get his shot at running an NHL bench.
- Alec Martinez is having a tremendous postseason with the Golden Knights and the pending UFA defenseman, who turns 34-years-old in July, is going to get paid. On The DFO Rundown, Frank Seravalli said that Martinez could get around $6 million on a 3-4 year deal.
- Mike Hoffman has reportedly not ruled out returning to the St. Louis Blues.
- James Mirtle is saying that @Zach Hyman’s time with the Leafs could be coming to a close. We’ve heard from a few insiders that Hyman and his camp could get close to $6 million on the open market.
- If @Patrik Laine is on the move this summer, Friedman says Florida could make a call. He mentioned that Laine and Barkov are close.
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