Darnell Nurse and eight other thoughts
Kurt Leavins of the Edmonton Journal: The first thing anyone brings up around Edmonton and elsewhere too is how much Darnell Nurse enjoys hockey again. It becomes a great sign and Edmonton now can concentrate on signing him when the time is right. This comes down to money and term for Nurse.
Dave Tippett is in and Craig MacTavish is out. Increased offer sheet chatter has led some to think Kasperi Kapanen could be an Edmonton target. Also, Dylan Cozens remains the player Edmonton wants at number eight. Will he be there is another question? Pavel Datsyuk chatter is just that, chatter. Again, Edmonton’s most important priority in the next year is Darnell Nurse.
Edmonton Oilers’ search for a goaltender
Allan Mitchell of The Athletic: Mikko Koskinen needs a goaltender to push him and may ultimately be pushed to the back burner at some point. The ideal is finding a goaltender who can put up some nice even-strength and make crucial saves.
For better or for worse, Petr Mrazek and Brian Elliott represent somewhat more reasonable options in net. Basically, this is a nice way of saying who knows what direction the Edmonton Oilers may go. Goalies like Sergei Bobrovsky and Robin Lehner would cost just too much. After that, Sergei Varlamov may get a good bit less than anyone would expect.
Mike Smith and Cam Talbot are likely too old from a goaltending standpoint.
Sanford and Son? Not exactly!
Jim Matheson: Again, Jujhar Khaira‘s name bubbles up to the surface as Edmonton may toss him a one-year show-me deal.
However, Zach Sanford still not is consistent enough on the forecheck and a few other aspects much like Khaira. Both teams could look elsewhere.
It leads all back to one question. Can anyone get the correct backup? Ken Holland expects to make several attempts as he tries to help Darnell Nurse on the blueline as well as a goalie and forward.