It’s time for another round of NHL rumours for you. The March 8 trade deadline is closing in on the hockey world. This means we may see plenty of action on the trade and signing front. Teams have to make some tough decisions about their respective futures. Who makes a blockbuster move that changes the face of their franchise? Today’s NHL rumours focus on the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Edmonton Oilers.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Pittsburgh Penguins
Rumour: The Athletic’s Rob Rossi talked to Penguins captain Sidney Crosby about the future. Crosby is a free agent at the end of the 2024-25 season. However, Crosby pretty much indicated that he wants to be a Penguin for life.
His Penguins are flailing. His favorite winger Jake Guentzel is a trade target. He can sign an extension July 1.
Does Sidney Crosby still want to be a Penguin-for-life?
“Yeah. I’ve said that forever.”
Read more in this @TheAthletic exclusive… https://t.co/eQECyll5AS
— Rob Rossi (@Real_RobRossi) February 20, 2024
Analysis: Usually when we post a name and picture on NHL rumours, the alarm bells go off in a fan base. However, we’re here to tell you that Crosby should be a Penguin for his entire career.
The Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia native talked to Rossi in an article for The Athletic. There have been concerns that the Penguins might have to do a retool due to their flagging fortunes this season. General manager Kyle Dubas made a big splash over the summer in getting Erik Karlsson. However, Pittsburgh is on the outside looking in as of now for the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Names like Jake Guentzel and Reilly Smith could be on the way out at the deadline. However, Crosby isn’t going to let what Guentzel does affect his decision. Guentzel is a linemeate of Crosby and the two have great chemistry together.
Players like Kris Letang and Evgeni Malkin have recently signed new deals so they could be Penguins players for life. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman mentioned that the Penguins likely know what it will take to keep Crosby beyond next season.
Anything can happen when it comes to players leaving teams. However, it’s highly unlikely that Crosby is going to leave the Steel City. The captain wants to play in the 2026 Olympics and wants to be a Penguin.
Edmonton Oilers
Rumour: Speaking of Friedman, he mentioned that the Oilers could be looking at the Anaheim Ducks for possible lineup help at the deadline. This happened on the latest edition of Saturday’s Hockey Night in Canada’s Headlines segment.
HNIC Saturday Headlines/32: A few teams to look at as we close in on the deadline — Pittsburgh, Edmonton, Philadelphia. Toronto, Dallas & Vancouver. Plus, Joseph Woll getting close.https://t.co/WpfMK5cO6i
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) February 25, 2024
Analysis: Edmonton is 4-5-1 since their long winning streak. It looks like general manger Ken Holland is going to add some reinforcements. Friedman mentioned the two players from the Ducks are Adam Henrique and Sam Carrick. However, it’s not specified if it’s both or just either one.
Henrique is a player that’s desired by plenty of teams. The former New Jersey Devils forward can play on the wing or in the middle. He could be a useful depth option to a contending team. The Brantford, Ontario native is also a veteran prescence in the lineup and can provide some leadership to a club.
Carrick is also another experienced pivot that could help fill the bottom of the lineup. The Markham, Ontario native is 32 years old and seven-year veteran. He may not be the biggest or the most talented player, but he can fill a role if needed. Carrick can be a pest and get under the skin of the opposition. He’s also not afraid to go above his weight class, as well.
Depth is a key in the post-season and adding one or both of these players could help the Oilers middle and bottom six. There’s no question that the top half of Edmonton’s lineup is offensively-talented. However, defence wins championships and players that can win defensive zone faceoffs can do that. The bottom-part of the lineup can be just as important as the top-half of a forward group.
Main photo by: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
