{"id":63857,"date":"2019-12-16T08:30:54","date_gmt":"2019-12-16T13:30:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonhockey.com\/?p=63857"},"modified":"2020-12-21T14:59:57","modified_gmt":"2020-12-21T19:59:57","slug":"nhl-rumours-vancouver-canucks-edmonton-oilers-toronto-maple-leafs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2019\/12\/16\/nhl-rumours-vancouver-canucks-edmonton-oilers-toronto-maple-leafs\/","title":{"rendered":"NHL Rumours: Vancouver Canucks, Edmonton Oilers, Toronto Maple Leafs"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>It is time for another Monday edition of <a href=\"http:\/\/lastwordonhockey.com\/rumours\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">NHL rumours<\/a>. Things will slow down a bit for the winter holidays but the news is still flowing around the league. Today&#8217;s rumours from Last Word on Hockey feature the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonhockey.com\/nhl-teams\/canucks\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Vancouver Canucks<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonhockey.com\/nhl-teams\/oilers\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Edmonton Oilers<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonhockey.com\/nhl-teams\/maple-leafs\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Toronto Maple Leafs<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>NHL Rumours<\/h2>\n<h3>Vancouver Canucks<\/h3>\n<p><em>Rumour: Vancouver beat writer Ben Kuzma indicates that forward <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/b\/baertsv01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Sven Baertschi<\/a><\/strong> seeks a trade after his recent placement on waivers.<\/em><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Baertschi trade buzz is legit. Here&#39;s how winger broached subject with me on Nov. 10: &quot;I want to be on a team that needs you and that\u2019s sort of the mindset that I have. Some additions over the summer didn\u2019t make it easier to come into camp and protect my spot.&quot; (1\/2) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/Canucks?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#Canucks<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Ben Kuzma \ud83c\udde8\ud83c\udde6\ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\udde6 (@benkuzma) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/benkuzma\/status\/1205927193878003712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">December 14, 2019<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p><em>Analysis:\u00a0<\/em>Vancouver is not one of the teams currently listed in the <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/search\/search.fcgi?pid=hallta02,hallta01&amp;search=Taylor+Hall&amp;utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Taylor Hall<\/a><\/strong> sweepstakes but that doesn&#8217;t mean they can&#8217;t make a splash while moving Baertschi. The defence could benefit from an addition but goaltending is also a concern with <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/d\/demkoth01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Thatcher Demko<\/a><\/strong>&#8216;s recent concussion.<\/p>\n<p>Goaltending is a more serious concern compared to the blue line. Veteran <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/marksja02.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jacob Markstrom<\/a><\/strong> has the position locked down for now but 20-year-old <strong>Michael DiPietro<\/strong> is acting as backup. That is a concern considering Vancouver&#8217;s place in the standings; they are fifth in the Pacific Division with the potential to be dangerous if they can get into the playoffs. Trading Baertschi for a more experienced option while Demko recovers could be a smart move. It would allow the team to rest Markstrom more often and let Demko return at his own pace.<\/p>\n<p>One possible destination for Baertschi could be the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonhockey.com\/nhl-teams\/red-wings\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Detroit Red Wings<\/a>. Vancouver could acquire one of several backups such as <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/h\/howarja02.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jimmy Howard<\/a><\/strong> or <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/p\/pickaca01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Calvin Pickard<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>that would be more experienced than DiPietro. Baertschi would also have a chance for more playing time, similar to how <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/f\/fabbrro01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Robby Fabbri<\/a><\/strong> has blossomed since <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonhockey.com\/2019\/11\/12\/robby-fabbri-relishing-chance-with-detroit-red-wings\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">leaving<\/a> the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonhockey.com\/nhl-teams\/blues\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">St. Louis Blues<\/a>. Baertschi wing has been a solid scoring option when given adequate playing time.<\/p>\n<h3>Edmonton Oilers<\/h3>\n<p><em>Rumour: Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal clarifies what Edmonton might be offering in the Hall sweepstakes.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>https:\/\/twitter.com\/NHLbyMatty\/status\/1206317805446057986?s=20<\/p>\n<p><em>Analysis: <\/em>It certainly makes sense that Edmonton is not willing to part with one of the top prospects on defence if they cannot discuss a contract extension. A good chunk of the Oiler&#8217;s current blue line will hit free agency this summer and the unit will need restructuring. <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/b\/bouchev01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Evan Bouchard<\/a><\/strong> should make the roster next year and <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2019\/04\/08\/philip-broberg-scouting-report-2019-nhl-draft-9\/\" target=\"_self\"><strong>Philip Broberg<\/strong><\/a> isn&#8217;t far behind.<\/p>\n<p>A return including <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/p\/puljuje01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jesse Puljujarvi<\/a><\/strong> and a potential additional first-round pick feels very reasonable if Hall is only a rental. It is unrealistic for the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonhockey.com\/nhl-teams\/devils\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">New Jersey Devils<\/a> to want top prospects and unconditional picks if Hall leaves his new home in free agency. Puljujarvi would be an immediate top-six option in 2020-21 next to either <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/search\/search.fcgi?pid=hugheja02,hugheja03&amp;search=Jack+Hughes&amp;utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jack Hughes<\/a><\/strong> or <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/h\/hischni01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Nico Hischier<\/a><\/strong>. An additional pick outside of the lottery is exactly something a rebuilding team wants after selling its more notable asset.<\/p>\n<p>Hall also gives the Oilers a third quality scoring option beyond <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/mcdavco01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Connor McDavid<\/a><\/strong> and <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/d\/draisle01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Leon Draisaitl<\/a><\/strong>. It wouldn&#8217;t make sense to put all three high-skill players on the same line but Edmonton would have one of the more dangerous scoring trios if they reached the playoffs. They could also try to re-sign Hall after the season considering 10 unrestricted free agents come off the books. That is a lot of money to spend on a player of Hall&#8217;s calibre.<\/p>\n<h3>Toronto Maple Leafs<\/h3>\n<p><em>Rumour: The last of Monday&#8217;s NHL rumours has Elliotte Freidman <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sportsnet.ca\/hockey\/nhl\/31-thoughts-jim-montgomery-firing-hockeys-latest-bombshell\/?fbclid=IwAR12NnXOdTpYA_BxeSAthQV7yXWWiwf3n6ajddZEogkaC0mxZSBMUsqVHeE\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">briefly mentioning<\/a> how the Leafs could move <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/k\/kapanka01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Kasperi Kapanen<\/a><\/strong> at some point before the deadline.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Analysis:<\/em> It is easy to see that Toronto has some financial challenges ahead of it this summer. Most of the defence indeed comes off the books but a handful of forwards will need to be traded or receive new deals. Moving Kapanen removes a cap hit over $3 million in advance of what should be a complicated summer.<\/p>\n<p>Kapanen would give another organization a player capable of scoring 40 points in a season. He is on pace to nearly equal last year&#8217;s 44-point effort with eight goals and 18 points through 34 games this year. Kapanen has 72 points in 167 NHL games overall. Many teams would benefit from his ability to both score and handle the puck effectively on the wing.<\/p>\n<p>It isn&#8217;t as though Toronto doesn&#8217;t have options at that spot either. <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/mikheil01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ilya Mikheyev<\/a><\/strong> has as many points as Kapanen with a much lower shooting percentage. Moving him to the top-six seems like a move that would benefit the 25-year-old. The Leafs also have players with NHL experience playing in the AHL right now. <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/a\/agostke01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Kenny Agostino<\/a><\/strong> or <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/a\/abergpo01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Pontus Aberg<\/a><\/strong> is easily capable of holding down a role of some sort if Kapanen is moved. The only obstacle is how attached Toronto is its current roster before decisions need to be made.<\/p>\n<p>Main Photo:<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"NJ9rfTQ4To99KeYQmT0fUA\" class=\"gie-single\" style=\"color: #a7a7a7; text-decoration: none; font-weight: normal !important; border: none; display: inline-block;\" href=\"http:\/\/www.gettyimages.com\/detail\/1182961991\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Embed from Getty Images<\/a><script>window.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'NJ9rfTQ4To99KeYQmT0fUA',sig:'9xJN5Cux2UMTJ8qGBsZHfMrQIUCfP2Cbm4Cc7rNZngs=',w:'594px',h:'391px',items:'1182961991',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })});<\/script><script src='\/\/embed-cdn.gettyimages.com\/widgets.js' charset='utf-8' async><\/script><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>It is time for another Monday edition of NHL rumours. Things will slow down a bit for the winter holidays but the news is still flowing around the league. Today&#8217;s rumours from Last Word on Hockey feature the Vancouver Canucks, Edmonton Oilers and Toronto Maple Leafs. NHL Rumours Vancouver Canucks Rumour: Vancouver beat writer Ben [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3127,"featured_media":63875,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[23,2,4321,18,26],"tags":[138,4038,157,212,2220,1917,5715,1837,1398,194,852,72,158],"class_list":["post-63857","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-oilers","category-featured","category-rumours","category-leafs","category-canucks","tag-edmonton-oilers","tag-ilya-mikheyev","tag-jacob-markstrom","tag-jesse-puljujarvi","tag-kasperi-kapanen","tag-kenny-agostino","tag-nhl-rumors","tag-pontus-aberg","tag-sven-baertschi","tag-taylor-hall","tag-thatcher-demko","tag-toronto-maple-leafs","tag-vancouver-canucks"],"modified_by":"Gabriel Foley","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/63857","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3127"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=63857"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/63857\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/63875"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=63857"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=63857"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=63857"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}