NHL Rumors: Giants, Maple Leafs, Oilers, Bruins – Hockey Writers – NHL Rumors

In today's NHL rumor mill, the Nashville Predators have been eyeing a right-handed shooting center. Is one available in the market? Meanwhile, Joseph Woll returns to the Toronto Maple Leafs lineup as they face the St. Louis Blues Thursday night. Is Ty Emberson having trouble adjusting to playing in the Edmonton market? Also, is the recent bench feud between Jim Montgomery and Brad Marchand already water under the bridge?

Predators GM Trotz Says No Trade Market For Centers

The Nashville Predators are looking for a top center, but General Manager Barry Trotz has made it clear that the trade market offers no easy solutions. He continued to speak 102.5 The Game On Tuesday— and confirmed in Elliotte Friedman's 32 Thoughts column, Trotz said, “Nobody's trading anybody right now. I would like to find a center, but no one is giving their backgrounds.”

This leaves Nashville in a challenging position as they try to fill a key role on their roster. The Predators' internal options include players like Colton Sissons, Tommy Novak, and Juuso Parssinen, but none have established themselves as a reliable second-line center yet. As of now, Trotz is waiting.

Joseph Woll Returns to the Apple Leaves

Craig Berube has confirmed that goalkeeper Joseph Woll will start against the Blues while striker Max Pacioretty is day-to-day. Dennis Hildeby has been loaned back to the Toronto Marlies.

Woll last played in the preseason finale on Oct. 5 and has not been played since due to lower body strength. There were reports that he was going to come back one night but he was pulled from the list, he wasn't ready to come back. Pacioretty was injured against the Blue Jackets.

Ty Emberson Caving Under Edmonton's Hockey Spotlight Pressure

Adjusting to Ty Emberson's health with the Edmonton Oilers has been a challenge for the start of the 2024-25 season. Acquired from the San Jose Sharks in the trade that sent Cody Ceci the other way, Emberson was expected to be a sneaky pickup. However, the 23-year-old defenseman has struggled to find his rhythm in Edmonton's tough hockey market.

Related: Today in Hockey History: Oct. 24

Speaking of the transition, Elliotte Friedman referred to comments from Los Angeles Kings defenseman Kyle Burroughs, Emberson's teammate in San Jose. Burroughs advised Emberson to “relax and pass well first,” noting that the pressure of playing in a hockey-heavy city like Edmonton can be overwhelming. “Ty has never seen anything like this,” Burroughs commented.

Being from Wisconsin and playing in quieter markets, jumping into the passionate, often impatient fans in Edmonton is new territory for Emberson. The team is confident they will figure it out, but it could be why the team is moving him out of the lineup instead of forcing him to continue playing at the 4 spot on their blue line.

Montgomery and Marchand Trade: One Incident, Not a Cause for Concern

There's been a lot of buzz surrounding the recent exchange between Boston Bruins coach Jim Montgomery and captain Brad Marchand, but it doesn't seem like it's going to turn into a big story. During the game in Utah, Montgomery appeared to be pushing Marchand on the bench, which raised a few eyebrows. However, Friedman believes this incident is a one-off rather than a sign of deeper problems in the group.

Several sources noted that Montgomery isn't afraid to hold his stars accountable, and his occasional criticism of players like Marchand doesn't go unnoticed. While repeated incidents may cause concern, this one doesn't seem to cross lines and Friedman believes the coach knows exactly how communication (while in the light) happens.

The Bruins, off to a rough start, may not look like their usual selves, but it's early in the season, and they've bounced back from similar slumps before.