On the Oilers …
- David Staples of the Edmonton Journal: TSN’s Ryan Rishaug wonders about the Oilers trading Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.
“As for what his emergence means for the Edmonton Oilers, simply put it gives them some options,” Rishaug says. “When Connor McDavid comes back, if Draisaitl is still playing at something like close to this level that gives them a Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl 1-2-3 punch, all kinds of depth down the middle. As we know the Oilers are a team that needs help on the blueline. Should they decide to rob from Peter and pay Paul a little bit and move a forward to bring in a high-end defencemen, well, now the potential is to move a player like Ryan Nugent-Hopkins doesn’t sound quite so ridiculous. It’s something they’re going to take their time and think a long time about. Draisaitl needs to show he can do it over the long haul but his emergence gives the Edmonton Oilers braintrust options.”
Rishaug on why trading Nugent-Hopkins makes more sense than trading Jordan Eberle.
“93 nets you way more in return.. potential game changer as opposed to a really good player. Oil need game changer on D eventually.”
On the Blackhawks …
- Chris Hine of the Chicago Tribune: There were some reports this offseason that the Blackhawks were getting tired of Patrick Kane’s off-ice behavior and could look to trade him. GM Stan Bowmn said over the weekend that Kane is “absolutely” part of their long-term plans.
“You can’t find talent like that,” Bowman said. “You look at what he’s done over the course of his career, whether it’s this season, last season … he’s been a game changer. He’s one of those guys that’s, I’ve said it a lot over the years, he’s able to elevate his game in pressure moments. Not too many guys are able to do that.”
On the Wild …
- Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe: Wild defenseman Marco Scandella was put on the IR late last week, and will be out for at least a week. The Wild are deep on the blueline, and if Christian Folin plays well in Scandella’s absence, he could get some interest later on in the year.