NHL News and Rumors: Jonathan Toews out indefinitely with illness, 15 teams were after Mike Hoffman, and Oilers sign Ethan Bear
Jonathan Toews is out indefinitely with an illness that is causing him chronic fatigue. The Blackhawks star will miss the beginning of the season as he works with doctors to find out more.
Chicago Blackhawks announce Jonathan Toews out indefinitely
“This offseason, I’ve been experiencing symptoms that have left me feeling drained and lethargic. I am working with doctors so I can better understand my condition,” Jonathan Toews said in a team release.
“Until I can get my health back to a place where I feel I can perform at an elite level and help my team,” Toews continued. “I will not be joining the Blackhawks for training camp. I do not have a timetable for when I will rejoin the team.”

Chicago will now have to play a shortened schedule without two of their best centers. They announced Kirby Dach will miss 4-5 months with a wrist injury yesterday.
Be on the lookout for Chicago to make a trade for a pivot.
Edmonton Oilers sign Ethan Bear
The Edmonton Oilers have extended 23 year-old rearguard, Ethan Bear for 2 years with an AAV of $2 million. This is a solid deal for the Oilers who will need Bear even more so this year after losing Oscar Klefbom.
15 teams were after Mike Hoffman

Before Mike Hoffman inked a PTO with the St. Louis Blues and the understanding a new contract was soon to follow, he had up to 15 teams interested.
“I’m told about 15-16 teams showed interest in Hoffman at one point or another over the past three months, some curious, some tire-kicking, some serious if they could only move money out, etc. I’m hearing that Columbus, Nashville, Montreal and the New York Islanders joined the Blues as teams who stayed on it to some degree.”
Pierre Lebrun