NHL Rumors: Martin Jones for Oilers, Rangers called on DeBrusk, plus Vegas buyers at trade deadline?
Anthony Scultore
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The Edmonton Oilers have been hunting the market for a goalie for the better part of a month and have not been able to make a deal they’re comfortable with. Even if they acquire one, GM Ken Holland would likely need to unload Mikko Koskinen’s $4.5 million in order to make cap room.
Koskinen will be a UFA at the end of the season. Should Edmonton be willing to add a second round draft pick a team with cap space may take him. The Coyotes and Red Wings are prime targets for that.
NHL Rumors: Martin Jones for Oilers?
“They are looking at all options across the NHL,” Pierre LeBrun said recently. “I just don’t think there’s a knight in shining armor out there.”
Edmonton has kicked tires on Columbus’ Joonas Korpisalo but are not willing to pay the steep price to acquire. Rumblings say the Blue Jackets want a first round pick.
However, with the Flyers in a free-fall could goalie Martin Jones be available? Elliotte Friedman thinks that’s a possible avenue for the Oilers.
Jones, 32, is on a one-year deal worth just $2 million. He is 6-7-2 this season with a 3.52 GAA, and a .902 SV%.
Golden Knights and the trade deadline
Could the Vegas Golden Knights actually be looking to add at the trade deadline? Pierre LeBrun sat down with Vegas’ GM Kelly McCrimmon and the answer seemed a little surprising.
“There’s a lot of time for all teams to sort out what they are, what they aren’t,” McCrimmon told LeBrun. “For us, health will continue to be a concern, salary cap has to be managed as part of that with respect to what our exact approach will be when we get right down to those final days and weeks (close to the deadline). It’s impossible to say at this point.’’
How could McCrimmon even be thinking about buying? Jack Eichel has yet to return from LTIR, and when he does it will come with a $10 million dollar hit. Plus, Max Pacioretty will be returning soon and adding $7 million back to the books. Vegas has no cap space to play with.
Reilly Smith remains a top candidate to be shipped out.
Rangers in on DeBrusk
The Rangers, who are expected to be very active at the Trade Deadline have spoken to the Bruins about Jake DeBrusk, per Jeff Marek.
The 25 year-old has 13 points in 33 games this season. According to several reports the Bruins are looking for a top 4 defenseman in return. A fairly steep price for the struggling winger.
While the interest in a rugged forward like DeBrusk makes sense with what Chris Drury is building in NY, he is another left-handed shot that plays the LW. The Rangers are already struggling to find ice time for #1 overall pick Alexis Lafrenière with Chris Kreider and Artemi Panarin cemented as the top two wingers on the left side.
Can DeBrusk play RW? He will also be an RFA next summer and currently makes $3.6M against the cap. The Rangers will have salary cap concerns starting next season, so this still seems like a tough fit.