The Oilers and Tippett still talking
Mark Connolly: Source said last night that Dave Tippett is going to be the Edmonton Oilers new head coach. An announcement should come .
Ryan Rishaug: Bob McKenzie said on TSN 1260 that Tippett’s deal with the Oilers is not finalized yet. He hasn’t agreed to any terms and the process between the two sides continues.
Kessel trade speculation
Pierre LeBrun: (yesterday afternoon) From what has been hearing regarding the Minnesota Wild potential trade is that he is leaning to NOT waive his no-trade clause to go there.
This doesn’t mean that he couldn’t eventually waive it to go there.
There are a few teams that are on this eight-team trade list that have called the Penguins about him.
Pierre LeBrun: Penguins GM Jim Rutherford continues to talk about Kessel with other teams.
He will be dealt and it is just a question as to where.
Rob Rossi: Phil Kessel will be traded. A big part of the Pittsburgh Penguins offseason plans begins with trading Kessel.
Jesse Marshall: (on Kessel-Johnson to Wild rumors) “A lot of people seem to think that JR’s intent is to move Kessel as a means to moving Jack Johnson. From what I understand, this deal is to move Kessel, and it’s a bonus to find a way to move Johnson at the same time.”
Dan Kingerski of Pittsburgh Hockey Now: It’s been well noted that Phil Kessel could use a fresh start somewhere.
Penguins GM Jim Rutherford isn’t a great position in trying to move Kessel as not everyone is ‘enamored with Kessel,’ especially after he admitted he had a down season.
Any trade return may not be as good as fans hope to get.
Acquiring Minnesota Wild winger Jason Zucker may be the best deal the Penguins get.
The Athletic’s report didn’t tie Jack Johnson and Victor Rask directly, but as ‘secondary speculation.’