Did Edmonton drop the ball on Milan Lucic?
David Staples of the Edmonton Journal: Again, the question has to be asked. Was there a move to be made here for Milan Lucic? Was Peter Chiarelli trying too hard to get rid of an asset? No one may get a straight answer on that last question.
Whether some of this is just hearsay becomes anyone’s guess. Peter Chiarelli did not perform very well as Edmonton’s general manager. Furthermore, taking a huge gamble to acquire a “poison pill” or having to add to a deal may have been discussed. Milan Lucic gets one more year likely.
Into the Bob Murray wish list
Eric Stephens of The Athletic: As the summer rolls along, the wishlist seems to grow for Bob Murray.
“We’ve got to turn it over and change it,” Murray said in April at the team’s exit day. “It all depends on how far we want to go.”
A good first step would be to hire a new coach. Benoit Groulx, Mike Vellucci, and Dallas Eakins are all candidates. Nothing is imminent on the coaching front. It looks like Ryan Kesler and Patrick Eaves will not play in 2019-20 for Anaheim or anyone for that matter. Both appear headed to the LTIR.
Then, Corey Perry is owed $15 million over the final two years of his deal. A buyout may be the solution for next year but not this one.
Adam Henrique is likely kept to preserve some semblance of depth at center. The younger core is vital in replacing Getzlaf, Perry, etc.
Murray also must find or identify a top-four defenseman in his system or in Anaheim.
Finally, deciding on free agents and Ryan Miller would be the only things left.
A defensive request in New Jersey…
Corey Masiask of The Athletic: New Jersey needs a top-pairing defenseman and preferably a number one. It is clear what they have on the roster is not capable of that level consistently.
Players like Anton Stralman and Jake Gardiner are helpful but not exactly top-pairing. Tyler Myers is nowhere close. Jacob Trouba likely costs too much and Erik Karlsson may go across the river or to Tampa Bay.
Jared Spurgeon and Darnell Nurse top the list. Spurgeon is already established in the role while Nurse is just 24 and coming into form. Does Ray Shero want to go safe or younger is the question?