On the Edmonton Oilers …
Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: Matheson looks at four scenarios for the Edmonton Oilers at the 2016 draft.
1. Trading up to No. 3 to draft Jesse Puljujarvi – Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen has said he’s received two offers for the pick, with one probably from the Oilers. Chances of this happening are very slim.
2. Trading their No. 4 pick for a top-two defenseman – unless it’s for P.K. Subban in a package (Subban and 9th for Hall or RNH and 4th). Probably a non-starter. The Oilers aren’t trading No. 4 for Justin Faulk. Chances are slim.
3. Trading down to No. 6 and drafting Mikhail Sergachev – Oilers also getting a 2nd round pick or prospect. Chances are fair.
4. Keeping the No. 4 pick – the Oilers may be thinking Matthew Tkachuk, but scouts are divided on Tkachuk and Pierre-Luc Dubois. Chances are good.
On the Boston Bruins and Florida Panthers …
Joe Haggerty of CSNNE: The Bruins might have been interested in signing UFA defenseman Alex Goligoski.
The Bruins have shown interest in Panthers defenseman Dmitry Kulikov according to a source. Trade talk is thought to be more of the tire-kicking as opposed to serious trade talk. Kulikov may not be on the trade block, but the Bruins are looking to improve their blueline.
Kulikov could be a Plan B to someone like Kevin Shattenkirk.
The 25-year old Kulikov has a year left on his deal at $4.3 million and will become a UFA after next season.
The cost to acquire Kulikov could be the 29th pick the Bruins hold and a prospect like Frank Vatrano.
George Richards: With a year left on his contract, the Panthers will want to talk with Kulikov’s agent about a contract extension.
Joe Haggerty: Have heard the same as Richards (above). The Panthers are not shopping Kulikov, this is about the Bruins trying to shake lose the defenseman.