NHL Rumors: Oilers interested in Duncan Keith; Avalanche inquired on Seth Jones; and Devils offering 4th overall pick
Anthony Scultore
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Duncan Keith is a new name on the trade market, but he’s already garnering some significant interest. One team in particular that had another disappointing playoffs and could be looking to add a winner like Keith, are the Edmonton Oilers.
NHL Rumors: Oilers interested in Duncan Keith
Per Elliotte Friedman, Keith is reportedly willing to move on. The 37 year-old rearguard has two years left at $5.5 million per season with a full no-move clause. He’s looking for a team in the Pacific Northwest or Western Canada to be closer to his family.
Kurt Leavins who covers the Oilers for the Edmonton Journal states they are the front runners to land him. “I believe Edmonton’s #1 target in that regard is Duncan Keith, and that the interest between Keith’s camp and the Oilers is mutual,” he writes.
There’s no doubt that this connection makes sense. If the Oilers do trade for Keith, will they have to assume his entire cap hit? Should that be the case, it will spell and end to the idea of Tyson Barrie returning.
Another place that I mentioned yesterday as a potential landing spot are the Seattle Kraken. Francis likes to build his teams from the blue line out, so keep an eye on this one.
Avalanche after Seth Jones
Looking at teams that would try and trade for Seth Jones, I did not see the Avalanche as one of them. Not because he wouldn’t be a great add for them, but strictly due to cap concerns. We all know Cale Makar is going to get paid, but the Avs have some key UFA’s to consider as well.
However, it appears the Avs are looking into the situation.
One crazy rumor that popped my way this week via two league sources is that the Avs were kicking around the idea of renting out Seth Jones for a year in a trade with Columbus and going all-in for the Cup next season.
The Athletic
Would the Avs do this and risk losing him to free-agency for nothing? This one seems interesting, but I can’t see the Flyers letting Jones get away.
Devils dangling fourth overall pick
Elliotte Friedman in his latest 31 Thoughts dropped this nugget. “I think New Jersey would consider moving the fourth-overall selection for a good, young defenceman.”
It’s very vague, and I’m not sure it gives too much insight into exactly what kind of defenseman that would be. Maybe Vince Dunn out of St. Louis? Interesting tidbit nonetheless.