The summer days continue to be heating up and so too are the rumours around the NHL. Who says the league goes on a holiday for a month after the happenings on July 1. Phones are still being worked and trades are trying to be manufactured. For the Tuesday edition of NHL rumours we will be discussing possibilities for the Vegas Golden Knights, Winnipeg Jets, New York Rangers, and Edmonton Oilers. What players could have a new home once training camp starts in September? Last Word on Hockey has you covered.
NHL Rumours
Vegas Golden Knights
Rumour: The agent of Nikita Gusev told a Russian news outlet picked up by TSN, that if his client does not sign a contract or traded by the Vegas Golden Knights by an undisclosed date, he will have the winger look to sign in the KHL.
Analysis: The Nikita Gusev story in Vegas has been an ongoing saga for months now. The Golden Knights are one of the teams up against the salary cap in just their second season. Gusev would be a great asset for any team that would be willing to pay for him. Gusev is a talented winger who signed with the Golden Knights prior to the playoffs last season. He led the KHL in points in 2018-19 with 17 goals and 82 points in 62 games with SKA St. Petersburg. Gusev is looking for $4 million over two years, while the team has countered with a $2 million offer. There are teams that can afford him and would want his production. While Golden Knights would love to bring him into the mix, the team would not hesitate to trade Gusev if the price is right.
NHL Rumours: Winnipeg Jets
Rumour: Scott Billeck of the Winnipeg Sun wrote about how the Winnipeg Jets could find great value in acquiring Julius Honka from the Dallas Stars.
Analysis: The Winnipeg Jets certainly are not the same team they were over the past two seasons, especially on defence. The loss of Tyler Myers and Ben Chiarot will definitely hurt. Both men were a physical presence on the blue line. While the Jets could plug these holes with players in the system, why not go after a young player like Julius Honka? Honka is a right-shot defenceman, and the Jets are in need of them. Honka is young and the Stars can afford to give up a player like him because of their crowded blue line. The best part of the Jets getting Honka is that his contract is cheap and he still has the ability to reach his full potential.
New York Rangers
Rumour: Adam Gretz of Pro Hockey Talk writes how the New York Rangers should consider trading Chris Kreider right now.
Analysis: The Kreider rumour is nothing new. Kreider’s name has been on the block since the end of the season. The Rangers have revamped their lineup in the off-season with the additions of Artemi Panarin, Jacob Trouba, Kaapo Kakko, and Adam Fox. Both Panarin and Trouba command a lot of money and moving Kreider’s contract would give the Rangers some much needed cap relief. With the Rangers still needing to sign forward Pavel Buchnevich it makes sense for the Rangers to trade Kreider.
Edmonton Oilers
Rumour: Jared Clinton of the Hockey News looked at the six young players that could use a new home and how it would be best for the Edmonton Oilers to trade Jesse Puljujarvi.
Analysis: It is no surprise that Puljujarvi made this list. The disgruntled forward has made no bones about it that he wants out of Edmonton. After being drafted fourth overall by the Oilers back in 2016, things have not worked out for him. Then after being bounced around between the NHL and the minors, Puljujarvi could not find a constant role in the Oilers lineup. The Oilers also rushed Puljujarvi development. Instead of letting him develop in the minors and honing his game, they put in right in the lineup. Usually, that does not bold well for any young player. If Puljujarvi wants to salvage his career in the NHL, it would be best if he found a new home, where he does not have to be in the spotlight.
