Welcome to another edition of NHL Rumours! With the deadline only days away, fireworks are set go off. Teams now know where they stand and will plan accordingly on how to approach the deadline. Two teams hungry for the playoffs are looking to make moves to bolster the lineup. Today’s Rumours swirl around the New York Rangers and Edmonton Oilers.
NHL Rumours
New York Rangers
Rumour: Elliote Friedman discusses the Rangers being in the mix for Sabres winger
It is no secret that the New York Rangers are looking to make a splash this trade deadline. Chris Drury is not shy to making a bold move and could do that this season. The team has been linked to both Anaheim Ducks players Frank Vatrano and Adam Henrique. Vatrano has thrived in New York before and would bring a necessary scoring touch to the lineup. Furthermore, Friedman guesses that they are in the mix for Alex Tuch.
Kevyn Adams has told teams that he is not afraid to make a bold hockey trade. However, you’d have to make it worth his while to entertain such a thought. Tuch would be a sought after player and rightfully so. He is a player that can play on the top two lines and bring key elements to the lineup. He is big, physical, fast, and has a wicked shot.
Tuch has embodied being a Buffalo Sabre but with them out of the mix a change isn’t out of the question. According to Friedman, Adams has rebuffed requests for Tuch, meaning this could be something more discussed in the summer but anything is possible. Friedman also mentions the Boston Bruins as a team that has poked around the idea, filling a top six scoring threat.
Edmonton Oilers
Rumour: Elliote Friedman links the Oilers to Ducks centre Adam Henrique
The next set of NHL Rumours take us to the western conference. Coming off a huge victory against the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Oilers are going to be open for business. Expecting them to be big buyers at the deadline is a given, especially given their surge up the standings. One player that has been linked to the team is Adam Henrique.
When it comes to the top two lines, the Oilers are set and have the firepower necessary to do damage. However, one area the team could look to bolster is the bottom of the lineup. Henrique is a perfect fit and can slot on the third line and be great depth. He is having a strong season on a weaker Ducks team, posting 41 points. Henrique is stellar in the faceoff circle and can play in multiple situations.
Henrique is a solid two way centre and can thrive in a more high octane offence. This is something to keep an eye out for as the deadline grows closer.
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