NHL Rumors: Oilers, Sharks, Canucks, Bruins – Hockey Writers – Edmonton Oilers

In today's NHL rumors, as the discussion about the offer sheet situation continues in Edmonton, more background information about Philip Broberg is coming. Could the Edmonton Oilers and Vancouver Canucks work out an interesting deal that would allow Vancouver to pick up a valuable defenseman and give the Oilers a bit of an opening? Finally, are the Boston Bruins getting anywhere with Jeremy Swayman?

Broberg's relationship with the Oilers has been strained

Elliotte Friedman noted on 32 Thoughts that Philip Broberg was asking the Edmonton Oilers for a salary in the $1.8 million range before he signed a $4.58 million offer sheet with the St. Louis. He also notes that things between Broberg and the Oilers have not been good, despite his recent play.

Friedman confirmed that Broberg requested a trade in December of 2023 and added, “I'm not sure he ever changed his mind.” Even knowing Broberg is unhappy, the Oilers are looking at their trade options before making their final decision on August 20. Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Citizen writes:

League officials told Postmedia Thursday that the Oilers were trying to get the contracts of defensemen Cody Ceci ($3.25 million) and Brent Kulak ($2.75 million) on the books so they could match the offer sheets, and we're told teams have shown interest.

source – 'TAKE CARE OF BUSINESS: Oilers staff should have used Senator' Shane Pinto's plan to sign RFAs' – Bruce Garrioch – Ottawa Citizen – 08/15/2024

Garrioch added that considering whether to choose the first or second half will have to be consistent with the player because the teams know that they tied the Oilers. There is speculation that the San Jose Sharks may be talking to the Oilers about Cody Ceci.

Friedman also noted, while speaking with Bob Stauffer of Oilers Now, that there was no way that St. Holland was too close to Blues' GM Doug Armstrong to do this to his friend.

The Canucks could give the Oilers a Lifeline

The Province's Patrick Johnston writes about a possible win/win situation for the Canucks and Oilers, in which Vancouver could offer to trade Brett Kulak and bring back Tucker Poolman to get rid of a bad contract. While the Oilers wouldn't normally add a $2.5 million defenseman to solve their cap issues, Johnston notes a reason it could work.

Related: NHL rumors: Oilers, Flames, Canadiens, Maple Leafs, Capitals

Poolman has been sidelined with migraines since January 2023 and is not expected to play again. If the Oilers place Poolman on LTIR, they free up $2.5 million without a salary cap penalty or loss of a first- or second-round pick. Some may ask why the Canucks don't just put Poolman on LTIR and add someone, but the answer is Kulak. If they are interested in a player, this trade situation gives them a leg up on other teams in trying to get him.

Swayman and the Bruins are no closer to an extension

Friedman said on his 32 Thoughts podcast that the latest he heard was that the Boston Bruins and goaltender Jeremy Swayman were “no closer” to a new deal. “I think these have been challenging negotiations, but they still have time, and we'll see how this goes.”

Friedman said that if the Bruins had taken Swayman to settlement, the player would have chosen the name and would have chosen two years, which would have put him in unrestricted free agency and the Bruins were not willing to let Swayman choose. he just left.

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