Welcome to another edition of NHL Rumours! The dominos are beginning to fall, as the trades are becoming official. Two defenceman are off the boards and have new homes. Managers are furthering their plans to execute the trade deadline. With the deadline officially a week away, names are being circled for some managers and what they are willing to give up to make a deal work. Today’s Rumours focus on the New York Rangers and Edmonton Oilers.
NHL Rumours
New York Rangers
Rumour: David Pagnotta from The Fourth Period discusses the needs for the Rangers
The New York Rangers are the cream of the crop in the eastern conference. They have the third most points, which is also good for third overall in the league. While they sit behind the Florida Panthers and Boston Bruins in that regard, the Rangers are very good. They are getting quality goaltending, a strong year from Artemi Panarin, and key contributions in the bottom of the lineup. However, the team is looking to add and Pagnotta has two names the club is after.
After the loss of Filip Chytil, the team could use a more proven centre down the middle. One player is Anaheim Ducks centre Adam Henrique. Henrique is in the final year of his five year contract and comes in as a pure rental. He is having a strong year, with 41 points and 17 goals. Furthermore, his success in the faceoff dot is huge, winning 53.2% of his draws. Henrique is also responsible defensively, which would be a huge benefit to the lineup.
The next is a former face in Frank Vatrano. Vatrano has not been shy to saying how much he loved his time as a Ranger and there is a chance he lands back with the club. He is having a career year, leading the team in goals (27) and points (48). Also, Vatrano has control and one year left on his current deal.
A proven centre to shore up its depth and a player who thrived on this team once before sounds appetizing. The Broadway Blueshirts could look to make noise.
Edmonton Oilers
Rumour: David Pagnotta from the Fourth Period discusses the Oilers plans for a defenceman
The next set of NHL Rumours takes us to the Pacific Division. After seeing Chris Tanev get swooped up by the Dallas Stars, the dominos for defenceman are falling. In addition, Ilya Lyubushkin is now a Maple Leaf, so the clock is ticking on defenceman. For the Oilers, they have not been shy to wanting to upgrade at the position and very well still could. Pagnotta has labeled out what’s in play for the club to do so.
According to Pagnotta, the team has its first round pick in play. Also, they would attach a roster player to the deal to entice the offer. That’s huge, as the asking price for some of the defenceman on the market is a first round pick. The options are in plenty, as the Oilers have options.
Noah Hanifin remains on the board, as well as Matt Dumba. Furthermore, a dynamic duo in Philadelphia with Nick Seeler and Sean Walker is enticing. Whether the Flyers become sellers remains a mystery, as they are in playoff position and battled their way into that position. With the western conference being competitive, the Oilers adding makes sense.
Main Photo: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
