NHL Rumors: Oilers, Maple Leafs and Bruins

Taylor Hall of the Edmonton Oilers and Drew Doughty of the LA Kings
On the Edmonton Oilers …

David Staples of the Edmonton Journal: Staples doesn’t think the Oilers should trade Taylor Hall this offseason, but he looks at the pros and cons of such a move.

Reasons to trade Hall.

  1. He isn’t a consistent defensive player
    2. His value is high because he score and make others around him better.
    3. His leadership has been called into question.
    4. Has a good contract ($6 million a season) which makes him more valuable.
    5. Plays a reckless style which could make for a shorter career.
    6. His best scoring years could be behind him.
    7. He plays the wing which is not a key position. Trading a winger for a defenseman makes sense.
    8. He shoots left. On the power play they have left-handed shots in Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.

Reasons on keep Hall.

  1. He can play defense.
    2. Can drive the attack on the second line.
    3. His scoring was down this year, but he was still creating chances.

Unless they are offered a top defenseman like P.K. Subban, Oliver Ekman-Larsson or Erik Karlsson – which they likely won’t be – the Oilers are better off keeping him.

On the Toronto Maple Leafs …

Platinum Seat Ghosts: Bob McKenzie on where he thinks Mitch Marner will end up playing next season: “I see him in the Toronto Maple Leafs lineup.” … “There might be growing pains, he might spend some games in the press box.”

On the Boston Bruins …

Chris Nichols: Elliotte Friedman on the Bruins: “I thought it was interesting w/ Sweeney saying we’re not going to change the coach, and roster will be very similar.” … “I just think Sweeney “is trying to set the bar low, which is probably a smart thing to do.” … “But I don’t think they’re coming back w/ mostly the same team. I think you could see them try some pretty interesting stuff.”

 

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