NHL Rumors: Oilers have deal for Zach Hyman; Kraken side deals; and will Jack Eichel get traded by the Draft?
Anthony Scultore
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The roster freeze is going to be lifted today at 1PM ET and that means the cuffs are off. NHL GM’s firmly know where they stand now that the expansion draft is over and several signings and trades are expected to be announced today.
One is the Rangers inking Barclay Goodrow to a 6 year deal with a $3.6 million AAV. Another that may get done today as well is Taylor Hall with the Bruins. His is expected in the 4 year and $6 million AAV range.
NHL Rumors: Oilers have deal for Zach Hyman
The Edmonton Oilers made Zach Hyman a top priority this offseason and are reportedly close to landing him. Per Andy Strickland, the Oilers have a 7 year and 8 year deal agreed to with him. What appears to remain is the sign and trade, as Toronto is the only team that can give Hyman an 8 year term.
Money on the 8 year deal appears to be in the $5 million range. It’s speculated the 7 year term comes in around $5.5 million.
The 29 year-old Hyman is going to make substantially more than the $2.25 million AAV he earns now. He scored 33 points in 43 games.
Do the Kraken have any side deals?
Some were very surprised that the Seattle Kraken did not make a trade last night. However, there is some word that they have at least one side deal in place that involved their selection from the Arizona Coyotes, Tyler Pitlick.
There’s also reports that Ron Francis spoke seriously with Chris Drury of the Rangers on Ryan Strome. It’s said the Rangers are looking for a veteran left defenseman. Mark Giordano was someone that was apparently rumored but it’s unlikely they move him after he appeared live at the draft last night. Carson Soucy was another name mentioned, but Strome is worth more.
Will Jack Eichel get traded by tomorrow at the draft?
Jack Eichel is expected to be traded before the NHL Draft tomorrow night. The Sabres made it clear that any trade for the 24 year-old would require a high first round pick.
The two frontrunners to land Eichel are the Rangers and Wild. If that first round pick is a key part of the deal the Rangers hold 15 and have the assets to move up. Meanwhile, the Wild are at 21. Just a note, the Coyotes who hold pick 11 have forfeited that for a Combine violation, allowing all teams to move up one spot.
Rangers have the ability to trade Ryan Strome and his $4.5 million AAV out. The Senators are interested in his services; so are the Sabres and Kraken at this time. Should Ottawa take Strome and pick 15 for their 10th, it improves the Rangers package. It’s unlikely the Wild could do something to move up that drastically.
Currently, the Wild continue to have talks with Buffalo about Eichel. Package wise, the Wild would have to basically gut their future in giving up Marco Rossi and Matt Boldy, two prospect centers. GM Bill Guerin is on record he does not want to do that because they are thin at forward.
Then there’s the whole Eichel cap hit of $10 million for the next five seasons, and the Wild dead cap space starting next year of $12M, $14M, and $14M. Unless a third team gets involved, I just don’t see it.
Larry Brooks is reporting today that at this point the Rangers have not seen Eichel’s medical record so nothing is imminent. To piggyback off of that report, has anyone? Elliotte Friedman said that only teams making serious offers would get it, and there is no report of any team that has gained access to his medical exams.
Regardless, things can change starting at 1PM today. My guy and all the info pouring in from multiple insiders, and outlets indicated he will be moved maybe early during the draft.