Welcome to another edition of NHL Rumours! Everything is in full swing, as the second half of the season is underway. The race for the playoffs is here and teams will begin to gauge where they stand. The trade deadline is under a month away, so the fireworks are going to be set off sooner than later. Today we focus on the Boston Bruins and Edmonton Oilers.
NHL Rumours
Boston Bruins
Rumour: The Fourth Period links a connection of Noah Hanifin to the Boston Bruins
It is no secret that Don Sweeney has a soft spot for defenceman Noah Hanifin. This is a player that Sweeney wanted to draft in 2015, but could not muster up a move to slide up. Ever since then Hanifin has been linked to Boston and continues to this deadline.
One thing to note is that the Bruins do not seem to be afraid of making the big splash trade this deadline. They were the team that was in the mix for centre Elias Lindholm but an extension could not be agreed on. Sweeney has made trades like this before, as he acquired Hampus Lindholm from the Anaheim Ducks which then came with an extension.
Boston does have limited assets this deadline. They are without their first three picks this upcoming draft, so pulling off a big move is going to be a challenge. Teams know what Hanifin likely wants on the open market, which could make things even more challenging for General Managers.
Boston has Matt Grzelcyk on an expiring contract and Derek Forbort as well. Hanifin is a player that can slot in the top four immediately and likely next to Charlie McAvoy. It remains to be seen how a deal as such can come about but the link is there.
Edmonton Oilers
Rumour: The Fourth Period sees a connection between the Oilers and Adam Henrique
The next set of NHL Rumours takes us to the west. One of the most prominent teams in the league is the Edmonton Oilers. Ever since the coaching change they have made a steep climb up the standings and find themselves in playoff position. If there was ever a time to add, now is the time. There have been floatings of the club looking for top six scoring but here they appear to be connected for a player down the middle.
The centre market is thinning out, as Lindholm and Sean Monahan are off the board. One name that is to be a coveted piece is Adam Henrique. Henrique is a versatile player that can play both centre and wing and brings stability to the lineup. Also, he is having a strong season for the Ducks, as he is tied for second in goals (15) and third in points (35). In addition, he has been a machine in the faceoff circle, as he has won 53.6% of his draws.
The top players on the roster are clicking on all cylinders. Henrique brings depth and stability and can help give the Oilers an extra line that can chip in offensively. If there was a year for Ken Holland to be aggressive, this is the year.
Main Photo: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
