NHL Rumors: Senators, Flames, Stars, Oilers, Bruins – Hockey Writers – NHL Rumors

In today's NHL news and rumors, the Ottawa Senators are not chasing a Linus Ullmark deal. Meanwhile, would the Dallas Stars and Calgary Flames make good trade partners? Finally, what kind of pressure is being put on Stuart Skinner this season by the Edmonton Oilers? Also, if Skinner rises to meet expectations, what does that mean for a contract extension?

Senators Take Cautious Approach to Linus Ullmark Contract Talks

The Ottawa Senators are taking a patient approach when it comes to potential contract extension talks with goaltender Linus Ullmark. Although Ullmark has looked sharp in preseason games, the team is not rushing into discussions yet.

During a segment on TSN, Pierre LeBrun and Jay Onrait discussed the Senators' strategy. Team owner Michael Andlauer insisted that the priority right now is to allow Ullmark to settle in with the team and be comfortable in Ottawa. The organization wants Ullmark and his family to feel comfortable before starting serious contract negotiations.

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Andlauer revealed that they wanted a long-term relationship with a great goalkeeper, but they handled it with “kid gloves”. For now, the focus is on allowing Ullmark to start the season without additional pressure.

Senators President of Hockey Operations, Steve Staois, will eventually step in when the time is right, but for now, it's all about Ullmark getting used to his new environment. Fans can expect contract negotiations to heat up towards the end of the season as Ullmark finds his rhythm with the team.

The Stars may be eyeing Rasmus Andersson of the Flames in a Stanley Cup push

As part of his column about the bold moves of all 32 NHL teams, Sportsnet's Ryan Dixon predicted that the Dallas Stars could make a bold move this season to improve their defense in order to make a run at the Stanley Cup. Dixon predicts that the Stars may trade young forward Mavrik Bourque to the Calgary Flames for back-four Rasmus Andersson.

Bourque, a former first-round pick, has just one NHL game under his belt but is expected to push for a permanent spot this season. As Dallas looks to bolster their blue line, he could be a valuable trade chip. Meanwhile, Andersson, 27, has been a key piece for the Flames and carries a $4.55 million cap hit through 2025-26. He's moved to the first round of trades as the Flames rebuild, but there is talk that he could be a hot commodity this season.

Although he has a six-team no-trade list, joining a team as hot as the Stars could appeal to him. For the Flames, if they continue to trade, Bourque could be an attractive target before the trade deadline.

Heavy Workload Awaits Stuart Skinner as Unquestioned Starter for Oilers

Stuart Skinner is poised to take on a bigger load for the Edmonton Oilers this season, stepping into the team's undisputed starting goaltender role for the first time in his career. With Jack Campbell no longer a viable starting split option, Skinner is expected to play 55-60 games, according to the team's Kurt Leavins. Edmonton Journal.

This increased workload puts Skinner among the league's leading netminders in terms of starts, alongside names like Juuse Saros, Alexander Georgiev, and Connor Hellebuyck, who led the NHL last season. Levins writes:

In other words, Stuart Skinner will need to play like one of the best forwards in the entire NHL for the Edmonton Oilers to get back to the Cup finals and this time…win that Game 7.

source – 'Of the 9 things the Edmonton Oilers need to get back to the Cup Final, this guy is #1' – Kurt Leavins – Edmonton Journal – 10/06/2024

If Skinner performs at a high level, he could be in line for a big raise. With Jeremy Swayman's recent contract extension in Boston restarting the market for goaltenders with similar experience, Skinner's value could rise. The Oilers may want to consider negotiating an extension on July 1 to lock him in before the rising salary increases his cap hit.

Swayman signed for eight years at $8.25 million per season. He has 23 million in bonuses and a no-trade clause. Could the Oilers know that if Skinner's numbers look similar after this season?