NHL rumors: Oilers, Canucks, Golden Knights, Flames – Hockey Writers – Edmonton Oilers

In today’s NHL rumors, the Edmonton Oilers have an idea of ​​when Evander Kane will return after successful surgery. They also leased a lot of valuables from their previous offices. Meanwhile, the Vancouver Canucks signed goaltender Kevin Lankinen to a one-year contract. Why did that deal take so long to make? Robin Lehner’s situation in Vegas has taken another interesting turn. Finally, more Calgary Flames have shown their support by staying in Calgary during the rebuild.

Evander Kane Probably Back in January or February

Elliotte Friedman sent out a tweet on Sunday confirming that Edmonton Oilers forward Evander Kane had undergone successful surgery. In that tweet, the insider also gave the winner’s return date. Friedman wrote, “Evander Kane had surgery Friday in NYC. There is no specific timeline for recovery, but it is not expected to be available until January/February.”

This is good news for the Oilers as Kane will be back healthy before the playoffs. It’s good news, too, because it means the team won’t do anything about LTIR and his total salary unless things go wrong early in the season.

The Oilers also made several key hires this week, focusing on analytics, scouting, and data. Last year, they hired Michael Parkatti as Senior Director of Data and Analytics, and now they’ve added Dominik Zrim, (founder of Cap Friendly) as Director of Hockey Strategy. They are pushing more towards advanced data analysis, something that Brad Holland was a fan of before leaving the team this summer.

The Oilers also added to their evaluation. Warren Rychel has been promoted to Director of Pro Scouting. Former Oiler Zach Kassian was also hired as a traditional scout.

Canucks Sign Kevin Lankinen to Team-Friendly Deal

The Vancouver Canucks got a solid goaltender on Sunday with the signing of Kevin Lankinen, who lowered his asking price to join the team. With Thatcher Demko’s health uncertain and Arturs Silovs still inexperienced, the Canucks needed reliable insurance in goal.

Related: Predicting Award Winners for the 2024-25 NHL Season

Canucks reporter Rick Dhaliwal seemed surprised the deal was done considering Lankinen’s price tag and the team’s decision to reject him two weeks ago. Although no assets were needed to land him, Dhaliwal speculated that Lankinen had been waiting for a better offer. In the end, the Canucks were able to sign Lankinen for less than the expected $1 million.

This helps the Canucks avoid overworking Demko, a mistake he made last season that led to his injury problems.

Lehner Says Golden Knights Aware of His Absence

Friedman reported Sunday that the Golden Knights have been told that goaltender Robin Lehner will not undergo a medical to open the season. Friedman quoted Lehner as saying: “Everybody knows why I’m not here.” I am waiting in peace for things to be fixed.”

It is a mystery what is going on here between the two sides. The Golden Knights are pursuing options with the NHL and the NHLPA is willing to delay any decision to terminate Lehner’s contract. All the while, the goalkeeper seems to be pointing to keep the organization in the loop.

Many flames show support for staying in Calgary

Many Calgary Flames players have publicly expressed their commitment to staying in the city, despite ongoing speculation about their future. After Nazem Kadri recently told reporters to “pump the brakes” on questions about his future, his teammates expressed similar sentiments about their desire to stay with the Flames.

Defender MacKenzie Weegar made it clear when he said: “I don’t want to go anywhere.” He added, “I want to build a reputation in this city and make it a champion city again.” Weegar emphasized his appreciation for Calgary, adding that he wants to give back to the community that welcomed him.

Blake Coleman also spoke about his connection to the city and the value of staying put. “We love it here,” said Coleman, praising Calgary as a great place to live and raise a family. “Nothing would make me happier than winning in Calgary.”

Jonathan Huberdeau, who signed an eight-year contract with the team added, “I didn’t sign a long-term deal not to be here,” and noted, “I want to be a Calgary Flame.”