NHL Rumors: Maple Leafs, Sabres, Blue Jackets, Senators, Oilers – Hockey Writers – NHL Rumors

In today’s NHL rumor mill, the Toronto Maple Leafs are among several keywords heading into free agency and are looking to make additions at every position. Meanwhile, the Buffalo Sabers made a point forward with the purchase of Jeff Skinner’s contract. The Blue Jackets have several former Oilers coaches on their short list, and Linus Ullmark cleared a few things about his trade to the Ottawa Senators. Finally, are the Edmonton Oilers thinking about keeping Ken Holland, even if he won’t stay as the team’s general manager?

The latest in Maple Leafs Free Agency

According to Jonas Siegel and James Mirtle of The Athletic, the Toronto Maple Leafs are among the top players yet to enter free agency. The team has a knack for scoring goals, defending, and going forward.

The Leafs narrowly missed out on getting Flames netminder Jacob Markstrom last week, losing to the New Jersey Devils despite offering a competitive package, including their first-round pick in the upcoming draft. However, with Markstrom off the table and Ullmark headed to Ottawa, addressing their goalie needs via trade seems unlikely. It looks like Nashville will keep Juuse Saros, leaving the Leafs to explore free agency for a tandem goaltender. Options include Laurent Brossoit, Anthony Stolarz, Kevin Lankinen, and Cam Talbot.

The priority is protection. They write that the Leafs prefer to find their solution through trade, but will play in free agency. They note:

Toronto will be part of every top UFA defenseman on July 1. Chris Tanev and Nikita Zadorov are the two front-runners, though both could re-sign with their current teams in Dallas and Vancouver. Brady Skjei and Brandon Montour will also field offers from all teams looking to add D.

source: ‘What we’re hearing about Maple Leafs plans for free agency, Mitch Marner’ – Jonas Siegel and James Mirtle – The Athletic – 06/26/2024

Surprisingly, the Leafs are looking to strengthen their wing in free agency. Although it rightly adds a center, the market is not without strong options. They probably won’t chase high-end players due to cap space and other needs but instead focus on second-tier talent. David Perron, Dakota Joshua, and Jake DeBrusk are on their radar.

Sabers to Buy Jeff Skinner

Elliotte Friedman and Jeff Marek both noted over a week ago that the Buffalo Sabers were seriously considering buying out Jeff Skinner’s contract. The belief is that this will happen without unexpected trades. Skinner is overpaid at $9 million per season, but he can still play. He scored 33 and 35 goals for Buffalo before dropping to 24 this season.

Related: Oilers Worry About ‘Double Whammy’ Crisis Amid Draisaitl Talks

There will be a lot of interest in Skinner and he could end up matching a competitor for less dollars. He will want to win and with the money already coming from the Sabers, he can choose. Watch for teams like Florida, Toronto, and maybe even Edmonton to kick the tires on a player.

Woodcroft High on the coaching list

Among the top players selected for the Columbus Blue Jackets coaching position are the head coaches of the Edmonton Oilers. On Tuesday there was a report that Todd McLellan could be on the way for the job, but Kevin Weekes also reports that Jay Woodcroft is a strong consideration. He writes, “Young, energetic, connected well with today’s athletes, had playoff success including a Stanley Cup, and has been an important part of development and change in Edmonton.”

Clearing Some False Reports About Ullmark Trade to Ottawa

Linus Ullmark says there have been no extended discussions with the Ottawa Senators, but he didn’t say the Sens weren’t on his no-trade list. There were reports that Ottawa was a place he had not visited, but that is not true. And he is not opposed to signing for a long time but wants to find a place to live, schools for the children, and get to know the people of Ottawa first. “The contract is something that Steve and my agent will deal with on the side,” said the goalkeeper.

Senators are not done making moves. The team is looking to make a move on defense and improve its depth going forward. Bruce Garrioch writes:

Postmedia reported that the Senators are trying to move speedy winger Mathieu Joseph before the draft this weekend. The team is also trying to figure out what the market looks like for defenseman Jakob Chychrun, who has one year left at $4.6 million. League officials say the Senators want a first- and second-round pick or a top prospect in exchange for Chychrun.

source – ‘Senators GM Steve Staios has a lot left on his plate after acquiring Linus Ullmark’ – Bruce Garrioch – Ottawa Citizen – 06/25/2024

Can the Oilers keep Ken Holland?

He may not stay as general manager, but Darren Dreger is reporting that Ken Holland may stay with the Edmonton Oilers in one way or another. He tweeted, “I believe there is a role for Ken Holland going forward in Edmonton…IF he wants it. His condition will be clarified in a few days. Right now, indications are that he won’t be in Vegas.

It’s unclear which way the Oilers will go in terms of a new GM, but Ryan Rishaug reported on his podcast that indications are that Holland will not return to that role. Rishaug believes the Oilers already have a lead and mentioned Mark Hunter as a possibility.