In today's NHL rumors, there's more to the Edmonton Oilers' search for a blue-liner replacement, with one person suggesting the Oilers may be looking to make a trade that will “shake things up.” Meanwhile, is Jeremy Swayman asking for up to $10 million per season from the Boston Bruins? Finally, is there a change of heart happening in Winnipeg, with the Jets and Nikolaj Ehlers doing an extension instead of a trade?
Oilers Evaluating Major Defensive Changes, Maybe Eyeing DeAngelo
The Edmonton Oilers are reportedly considering significant defensive upgrades beyond the usual PTOs and signing inexpensive free agents. According to Frank Seravalli of The Daily Faceoff, the team is exploring multiple trade scenarios. On Oilers Now, Seravalli revealed that the Oilers are exploring as many as seven options and that “there are other things that Edmonton is looking at, including a trade that could shake things up.”
With the departure of Philip Broberg and the need to find a solid partner for Darnell Nurse, a number of situations are being tossed around. Ty Emberson and Brett Kulak are potential solutions, but they may not be able to handle top four minutes. While the team may still consider free agent options like Tyson Barrie, Justin Schultz, or Kevin Shattenkirk, they are also one-dimensional and their production has declined. In that respect, it makes it interesting that Seravalli offered Tony DeAngelo as Edmonton's key man.
He's also one-dimensional as an offensive lineman, and he comes with his own baggage. But, despite a challenging 2023-24 season, DeAngelo's offensive production and ability on the power play could make him a valuable addition if he's signed near the league minimum.
Jeremy Swayman Wants $10 Million AAV Contract Negotiations at Bruins?
According to Matt Barry of Inside the Rink, Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman is asking for an average annual value (AAV) of $10 million in his ongoing contract negotiations with the team. Swayman, 25, a restricted free agent, chose not to pursue arbitration this summer, opting to negotiate directly with Bruins management. The Bruins are reportedly struggling to make this deal, although management says they are hopeful that an agreement will be reached.
Related: 2024-25 NHL Season Preview
Currently on a one-year, $3.75 million deal, Swayman has been a dominant player, ranking in the top five in save percentage over the past two seasons. However, the Bruins have approximately $8.6 million in available cap space to sign Swayman.
Colby Cohen reports, “The Swayman reports are wrong. The parties are taking their time to come to an agreement but people are freaking out because they think he asked for 10M and he should rest easy…. because that's not the question.”
Nikolaj Ehlers Future With Jets Remains Uncertain
Nikolaj Ehlers' future with the Winnipeg Jets has been quiet lately. In May, it was reported that the Jets were considering trading the midfielder, who is entering the final year of his contract. It was also speculated that Ehlers was not interested in contract extension talks and planned to explore free agency next summer without being traded.
However, with Scott Arniel now leading the coaching staff, there could be renewed interest on both sides for an extension. Mike McIntyre of the Winnipeg Free Press points out that both Arniel and general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff have praised Ehlers this summer. You write:
The hot start for Ehlers and the hockey club can cause everyone to reevaluate things. But eventually everyone will come to a crossroads. Could the Jets really be in danger of walking away with a valuable asset in free agency next July 1st if Ehlers makes it clear he won't sign a new deal between now and then? That's a risky proposition, for sure.
source: 'Perfetti's contract status, Ehlers' future are hot topics in Jetsville' – Winnipeg Free Press – Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe – 08-25/2024
He adds that the Jets can still work on an extension before the season starts, similar to the decisions of Connor Hellebuyck and Mark Scheifele last year.
Source link
