NHL Rumors: Canadiens, Islanders, Oilers, Sharks – Hockey Writers – NHL Rumors

In today’s NHL rumors, Jake Evans is attracting trade interest from Montreal. Do the Canadians want to move him? Meanwhile, the New York Islanders lost Mathew Barzal indefinitely. Is there any way the Edmonton Oilers can reunite with former winner Klim Kostin?

Canadiens May Trade Jake Evans to Bolster Defense

Montreal Canadiens center Jake Evans is reportedly generating interest on the NHL trade market, according to Marco Dumont of RG.ORG. After reports that the Canadiens are looking for a trade to improve on defense and move forward with a visible edge, the availability of Evans means that he could be part of any trade package that happens in Montreal.

Evans, 28, has started the season well with five points in 11 games. He’s also playing a game of soundproofing. But, he’s set to become an unrestricted free agent (UFA) next summer and his $1.7 million cap hit makes him an attractive asset for teams in need of reliable forward depth.

Dumont’s source suggests the Canadiens could consider moving Evans as a trade lure to address their top-four defense needs. He writes, “The Canadians have two of their centers, Evans and Christian Dvorak, waiting this summer, and they have important decisions to make about their futures.”

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He also thinks the Canadiens might prefer not to spend their future pipeline trading picks and prospects, making the Evans trade much easier.

Islanders Lose Barzal

The New York Islanders tweeted on Friday: “Injury Update: Mathew Barzal is back on Long Island with an upper body injury. The set time will be announced after consulting with the team doctors.” The Islanders have the lowest goals per game in the NHL this season (2.10) and this will not help their cause.

WFAN660’s Peter Schwartz writes, “We don’t know how long Barzal will be out and Duclair is on LTIR so this season for the @NYIslanders is on the brink of a quick decline. I’m not sure what Lou can do without starting the process of disbanding this group. That’s probably the way we should go.”

A reunion with Klim Kostin in Edmonton?

Edmonton-based reporter Jim Matheson has speculated on a potential reunion between the Edmonton Oilers and former forward Klim Kostin, who may be available soon based on a proposed move to San Jose. With the Sharks making room for young forward Ethan Cardwell and with senior Macklin Celebrini set to return, Kostin could be the odd man out and find himself left out.

If the Sharks decide to fire Kostin, Matheson scoffed at the idea of ​​the Oilers bringing him back. With an AAV of $2 million, Kostin could be a valuable addition to Edmonton if he can stay off waivers, though his price may give the Oilers a bit of a break. Kostin loved his time in Edmonton and it was the last year of his contract before free agency. He could bring some much-needed grit and physicality to the Oilers’ roster—noted by high-profile fans in Thursday’s win over Nashville, as the team seems to thrive on sandpapering their game.

A lot would have to happen first for this to become a reality in Edmonton. The Sharks will have to fire Kostin and the Oilers will have to find a way to make the salary work because of their tight end.