NHL Rumors: Red Wings may trade for Tyler Johnson, Oscar Klefbom out for Oilers, and more
Anthony Scultore
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The pucks are in the freezer, the ice is being made at NHL arenas, and hockey is coming. Talks are picking up all around the league and the NHL rumor mill is alive.
NHL Rumors: Red Wings may trade for Tyler Johnson
Elliotte Friedman dropped an interesting nugget which he attributed to an overseas report. Apparently, the Detroit Red Wings are willing to trade for Tyler Johnson in exchange for Henrik Zetterberg?
“There’s been a rumor started in Europe, that the Lightning might trade for Henrik Zetterberg’s LTIR from Detroit, which makes sense,” Friedman said multiple times this month. On his latest podcast, he reiterated this and said it would be for Tyler Johnson.
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Oscar Klefbom out for the year, what will Oilers do with extra cap space?
The Edmonton Oilers announced they will be without defenseman Oscar Klefbom this season due to injury. So what will the Oilers do with this new found cap space? Apparently the top rumor is they are going after Sami Vatanen who is an unrestricted free agent.
“I talked to Klef a week ago. He’s out. He’s out for ’20-21. He’s exploring his options. He’s shooting for trying to play, he’s trying to be in camp in September, shooting for the ’21-22 season, and I know that he’s talking to some people whether he should have shoulder surgery or if he’s better off just getting time off. He definitely will not be in camp, will not play for the ’20-21 season. He’s hoping to be ready for next season.”
Ken Holland via Edmonton Journal
He is coming off an injury, but still managed to put up 23 points in 47 games. Points aside, Vatanen is known for his strong positioning and play in the defensive zone.
The Oilers could luck out by getting Vatanen on a one year bargain deal. Sami did meet with the Carolina Hurricanes this offseason and will circle back with them soon.
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