On the Edmonton Oilers …
Jim Matheson: Wondering if the easiest solutions for the Oilers and Leon Draisaitl is a two-year bridge deal with a $6 million salary cap hit.
David Staples of the Edmonton Journal: Hard to argue that the Oilers trading for Griffin Reinhart didn’t turn out well for them. The Vegas Golden Knights selected Reinhart from the Oilers in the expansion draft.
He recently signed two-year, $800,000 per year deal with Vegas. Could the Oilers look to re-acquire him for a late round pick? Vegas needs to move out some defenseman. Reinhart would require waivers if being sent to the AHL.
On the top five trade destinations for Colorado Avalanche forward Matt Duchene …
Rory Boylen of Sportsnet: There is still plenty of time for someone to meet the asking price of the Colorado Avalanche for Matt Duchene. Five teams that could still be interested in trading for Duchene.
New York Islanders – The Islanders have already brought in Jordan Eberle this offseason and Duchene would be a fit behind John Tavares.
GM Snow would prefer sending Brock Nelson over Mathew Barzal. Ryan Pulock, first round picks and possibly more might have to offered up.
Los Angeles Kings – Could use some more speed and scoring. Duchene would once again fit in a No. 2 role.
Kale Clague and Paul LaDue are the Kings top young defensemen. The Kings might have to include 2017 first round pick Gabriel Vilardi.
Columbus Blue Jackets – The Blue Jackets could use another top-six center to go along with Alexander Wennberg.
Ryan Murray is a young defenseman but wouldn’t be enough. The Blue Jackets could include winger Oliver Bjorkstrand.
Carolina Hurricanes – They lack a game-breaker and have plenty of defensemen. May not be an ideal fit in the Hurricanes lineup and the fact that Duchene is two years away from free agency may lessen their interest.
Brett Pesce, Jake Bean and Hayden Fleury could be made available.
Pittsburgh Penguins – The Penguins could use Duchene as their third line center or on the wing. Cap space would be an issue for the Penguins.
Would the Avalanche be interested in 22-year old Olli Maatta? 23-year old Derrick Pouliot? Jake Guentzel and Conor Sheary could interest the Avs.