NHL Rumors: Rangers’ Tony DeAngelo on the block, Oilers want a goalie, and Aleksander Barkov assured he won’t be traded
Anthony Scultore
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The latest NHL rumors buzz takes us from the East Coast of the U.S. all the way to Edmonton, Alberta. Let’s start things off in New York where Tony DeAngelo is already skating on thin ice.
NHL Rumors: Tony DeAngelo on the NY Rangers trade block?
The young defenseman has been a lightning rod of controversy since he’s been with the Rangers. Whether it’s his now deleted Twitter account, or his clashes with coach David Quinn, it’s become a little distracting. At least in the eyes of fans and media.
After the Rangers season opening loss where DeAngelo took an undisciplined penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct, he found himself skating with the taxi squad. This could all result in a scratch for the league’s fourth highest scoring defenseman from last season.
This isn’t the first time David Quinn has scratched him if that is indeed what happens today. The bigger question is, with Nils Lundkvist just a Lulea contract termination away from signing his ELC, could DeAngelo be a trade bait candidate?
The word I am getting this early in the season is “yes.” DeAngelo is likely to be the centerpiece in any trade for a center. Last season, DeAngelo had several teams inquiring about him and if he’s on the block there will be more teams interested now.
NHL Rumors: Oilers in the hunt for a goalie
The Edmonton Oilers took a lot of heat this offseason for not improving their goaltending situation. Well, now it appears they are are hunting for one.
Starting goaltender, Mike Smith was just placed on LTIR and word is out the GM Ken Holland is calling teams about goaltenders. The rumor mill speculates he’s looking at signing UFA Jimmy Howard or low end trade like Antti Raanta in Arizona.
There’s also some talk that they could try something bigger. Maybe one of the two goalies in Columbus perhaps?
NHL Rumors: Aleksander Barkov not on the market
Yesterday we noted reports from Frank Seravalli that Florida Panthers center Aleksander Barkov was a wanted man. Teams reached out to GM Bill Zito to see if he was available. Zito wanted it clear that he wasn’t.
Bill talked to me right away, he told me they aren’t true,” Barkov said with relief. “So it’s all good and I am concentrating on the start of the season. Thank you for mentioning this is my first time being mentioned in trade rumors.”
Barkov rumors should die down for now, but come next trade deadline as he approached UFA they will pick up…big time.