NHL Rumors: Bruins chasing Ekman-Larsson, action heats up for Mike Hoffman, and more
Anthony Scultore
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Oliver Ekman-Larsson was just recently quoted that he was happy to stay in Arizona. Now it appears the Boston Bruins still want the top d-man on their blue-line for next season.
NHL Rumors: Bruins still want Oliver Ekman-Larsson-Larsson
“[Armstrong] got in at a tough time, needed to make some decisions and stuff like that,” Ekman-Larsson said about being asked to waive his no trade clause. “But we’ve had some good conversations so far and I’m looking forward to getting to know him better. I don’t think it’s going to be a problem putting that behind, not from me at least. That’s all I can talk about.”
A recent report by Joe Haggerty of BHN, claims that Boston is still very interested in acquiring Ekman-Larsson at some point next season. And according to an interview conducted by Craig Morgan, OEL has not closed the door on a future trade possibility.
“That’s a question for (GM) Bill (Armstrong) to be honest with you,” said Ekman-Larsson. “There’s not much I can do about it. I’m just trying to stay in the moment. I know everybody says that but I really had a good offseason…I feel really happy that I am here but if that day comes where they ask again, I will deal with it then.”
Ekman-Larsson
While things are tight cap-wise for the Bruins and OEL is set to start the season in Arizona, keep your eyes on this situation as we near the next trade deadline.
The Nashville Predators have re-entered the chat on Mike Hoffman
It was just yesterday that we noted the Blue Jackets were closing in on UFA Mike Hoffman. Well, the Nashville Predators must’ve heard that and have upped their aggressiveness to acquire a scoring forward.
Back in October, Nashville’s GM David Poile went on record that he wasn’t done with signings. The Predators were rumored to be in on Taylor Hall but missed out. The expectation is they will be going all in for Mike Hoffman so this just heated back up.
RELATED: Blue Jackets closing in on Hoffman
Are the Hurricanes really going with their current goalies?
Tom Gulitti over at NHL.com explored the question as it still shocks me that the Hurricanes did not address their goaltending issues. According to GM Don Waddell they are exploring what’s out there.
“It’s my job as the general manager to always look at what’s out there whether it’s a goalie, whether it’s a defenseman or a forward, to see if there’s an upgrade for our hockey club,” Hurricanes general manager Don Waddell said. “We think our goaltenders were a good tandem last year and down the stretch they played really well for us. … So at the end of the day, we’re very comfortable with both guys and looking forward to having that tandem go through the season.”
Don Waddell
Here’s my thought, it wouldn’t hurt to give Craig Anderson a PTO. Maybe see what the veteran, that kept a porous Ottawa defense afloat, has left in the tank.