Welcome to another edition of NHL Rumours! Hockey is back in full swing and teams are starting to gauge where they are in the playoff picture. The sellers and buyers are become clearer by the day and the buzz around the league is beginning to pick up. Today’s rumours swirl around the Philadelphia Flyers and the Edmonton Oilers.
NHL Rumours
Philadelphia Flyers
Rumour: Elliotte Friedman on 32 Thoughts Podcast discusses the future of Flyers Forward Travis Konecny
One general manager who has been very busy is Daniel Briere. His first order of business was parting ways with Cutter Gauthier, which was followed up by signing Owen Tippett to a contract extension. It appears that the Flyers are shaping out their core group and putting the pieces in place for the long haul. One of those pieces that could remain with the club for the long haul is Travis Konecny.
Konecny has turned into the focal point of the teams’ offence and is a bright spot in the lineup. He currently leads the team in goals (24) and points (45). Furthermore, Konecny brings that physical edge and has also had an upside in his defensive game. His 35 takeaways have him tied with stellar two-way centre Sean Couturier for the team lead.
Konecny is in the prime of his career and is only 26 years of age. Also, he has a salary cap hit of $5.5 million for this season and next season. Given what he brings to the club, a long term deal should see that number rise. The Flyers are strong in the present day, as they currently hold a playoff spot. Also, the future is bright and it appears that the team wants him to be part of it.
Edmonton Oilers
Rumour: Elliotte Friedman on 32 Thoughts Podcast discussing the assets the Oilers have
The next set of NHL Rumours takes us to the Western Conference. It’s not a secret that the Oilers are one of the premiere teams in the western conference. They’ve climbed their way up the standings and currently hold a playoff spot. Furthermore, they are looking to maintain that status and add at the trade deadline. As discussed already in the latest rumours article, the Oilers are aiming for a top-six winger that can bring added depth scoring to an already potent offence. However, when acquiring such talents, you need to have the assets to facilitate the move. Friedman discusses the assets that the Oilers have that can help add to the lineup.
The Oilers currently hold a first and second-round selection in the upcoming 2024 NHL draft. However, when it comes to a roster player with upside, they have defenceman Philip Broberg. He has played only ten games for the Oilers this season and has sent him to the minors to work on his game.
He has played over 25 minutes a night for the Bakersfield Condors and has 18 points in 27 games. The Swedish defenceman would be a great building block for a team and that’s an asset the team can use to covet a top-tier player. His name has been floated around in trade talks before, so now the time is to wait and see what transpires.
Main Photo: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
