In today's edition of NHL rumors, many stories emerged about the trade of Yaroslav Askarov to Nashville. Meanwhile, the New Jersey Devils may be closing in on an extension with Dawson Mercer, but it may be a bridge deal. What will the Philadelphia Flyers do with Alexei Kolosov? Finally, are the Edmonton Oilers in the market for a top-four, right-shooting defense?
Askarov Refused to Report to Predators
The Nashville Predators have been in talks with multiple teams, including the Colorado Avalanche, Montreal Canadiens, Philadelphia Flyers, and Carolina Hurricanes, regarding a trade for top goaltending prospect Yaroslav Askarov. According to Pierre LeBrun of TSN, the Predators eventually traded Askarov to the San Jose Sharks.
You write:
Without being able to confirm exactly what those teams were willing to offer, it's hard to say for sure why the Preds chose San Jose's offer, but they do. [David] Edstrom is very much on top of that first round pick.
source – 'Inside the Yaroslav Askarov trade: How Sharks won 5-team race for Predators' goalie' – Pierre LeBrun – The Athletic – 09/16/2024
Related: NHL rumors: Penguins, Bruins, Jets, Red Wings, Oilers
The trade followed Askarov's trade request, which was filed in early August, after which the Predators kept the situation under wraps before news of the request leaked. Askarov had told the Predators he would not return to training camp unless he was transferred.
Is A Deal Between The Devils And Mercer Getting Closer?
Elliotte Friedman on the 32 Thoughts Podcast on New Jersey Devils RFA forward Dawson Mercer: “I don't think there's room for the Devils to do it long term, so I think that will be a bridge.”
Peter Baugh of The Athletic agrees and wrote on Twitter, “The Devils final piece of offseason business is getting RFA Dawson Mercer signed. The sides are talking, and there is hope to reach an agreement before camp opens this week. It will likely be a bridge deal. “
Flyers Willing To Trade Alexei Kolosov?
Friedman also writes in his 32 Thoughts column that the Flyers are still trying to figure out where things will go with Alexei Kolosov, who did not make it to camp and is still living in Russia. He adds, “Teams have asked and been told what a second-round pick is worth, but, before anyone is willing to do that, they have to find out if Kolosov will join them.”
A few weeks ago, reporters like Kevin Kurz of The Athletic and Jordan Hall of NBC Sports Philadelphia reported that Kolosov preferred to return to Minsk on loan instead of playing for the Lehigh Valley Phantoms in the AHL this season. However, the Flyers opposed the move and continue to resist it.
Oilers Want To Trade Top-Four, Right Shot Defenseman?
630 CHED's Bob Stauffer writes: “Fully expect the Oilers to be in the market for a second pairing RD…at some point… Preferably with little time left…” In other words, the Oilers may not be looking at PTO or short options. -long-term trade, but for someone with experience and a proven track record of being able to eat big minutes and under contract.
This suggests that the Oilers have decided they have a hole on the right side after the departures of Cody Ceci, Vincent Desharnais, and Philip Broberg and they know they need to fill it. Ty Emberson could be a solid player for them, but it sounds like GM Stan Bowman wants something more guaranteed.
With Evander Kane set to continue LTIR, perhaps the Oilers feel they can spend less and squeeze their salary cap issue down the road.
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