NHL Rumors: Oilers about to land Evander Kane, Halak on the block, and no Penguins rebuild
Anthony Scultore
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Evander Kane is now a free agent and can sign with any team. There are reportedly up to six suitors for his services which includes Toronto, Carolina, Tampa Bay, Florida, and Vegas.
One team has vaulted to the top of that list and it’s the goal starved Edmonton Oilers, who are looking to balance their scoring lines.
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NHL Rumors: Oilers close to signing Kane
Yesterday, Pierre LeBrun touched base with Kane’s agent Dan Milstein, who said: “We are interviewing with teams. Almost done. Contract by weekend.”
That team is sounding more and more like the Oilers as their GM, Ken Holland went on record yesterday about his interest.
“I’ve talked to his agent, his agent is Dan Milstein — I know Dan very well because he was Pavel Datsyuk’s agent,” Holland said referencing his Detroit days. “As the manager, it’s my responsibility to investigate every situation.”
Kane, 30, led the Sharks in goals (22) and assists (27) while appearing in all 56 games last season.
Former NHL referee and now analyst with The Daily Faceoff Tim Peel indicates that a deal with Oilers is imminent.
Jaro Halak on the block
Chris Johnston of the Toronto Star is reporting that the Vancouver Canucks are looking to offload back up goaltender Jaros Halak.
The 36 year-old is 1-4-2 in 8 appearances this season. He signed a one-year deal this summer for just $1.5 million, but there are achievable bonuses that can have that become $3 million. Including a $1.25 million performance bonus for hitting 10 games.
Halak has a no-move clause.
No Penguins rebuild
GM Ron Hextall spoke with The Athletic recently and possibly put at least one notion to rest, the idea of a rebuild.
“They’re a good group, they’re a character group. They know how to win. Terrific culture here. And never bet against Sid,” Hextall told The Athletic in an interview Monday. “Obviously it’s more than Sid, but he’s the driver.”
The Athletic
The Pittsburgh Penguins have a trio of key UFA’s coming up this summer that has many wondering what GM Ron Hextall will do. Evgeni Malkin, Bryan Rust, and Kris Letang will all hit the open market in July.
Regardless of those three, the Penguins also have Jeff Carter, Evan Rodrigues, and Casey DeSmith as important UFA’s. There’s simply no way for the Pens to keep them all.
“To be frank with you, we’d like to sign all our guys,” Hextall said. “We’ve got some tough decisions to make, and we’ve got to fit everyone in. We’ll see where it goes.”
