On the Boston Bruins and the Edmonton Oilers …
Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: The Bruins will likely be looking for an experienced “all-around” right winger before the NHL trade deadline.
Pending UFA Thomas Vanek would be an option.
Sportsnet reported that the Bruins looked at Senators Mike Hoffman. Hoffman carries over a $5 million cap hit through 2020, and he wouldn’t be cheap – young NHL player, prospect, and a pick. He’s also a left shot.
Patrick Sharp could be another option for the Bruins.
With Ryan Nugent-Hopkins out, the Oilers will once again be looking improve their draft stock and hope for the first overall pick and Rasmus Dahlin. Contending teams will be interested in Patrick Maroon.
On the Vegas Golden Knights …
Ed Graney of the Las Vegas Review-Journal: James Neal‘s agent, Patrick Morris, said at the start of the season that there was a 25 percent chance that Neal would be with the Golden Knights at the trade deadline.
The easy choice for the Golden Knights would be to hold on to Neal and chase the Cup in their inaugural season.
Neal is a pending UFA making $5 million. He’ll be 31-years old at the start of next season.
“I don’t negotiate in public, but if the trade deadline comes and goes, I will be shocked if James is on another team,” Morris said. “No other team has called me and said they are close to acquiring James. I think it’s full steam ahead for Vegas, and if we could agree to terms for him to (remain with the Knights) we would welcome that. He loves it there.
“George McPhee is an intelligent man. I don’t know (owner) Bill Foley, but he obviously has a passion to win. His timetable of winning in 3-5 years has obviously changed now. This is not an irresponsible organization. You have to go for it when you have the chance, and James Neal and his play and leadership has been a huge part of what has happened there.”