NHL Rumors Roundup: Mikael Granlund, Tyler Toffoli, Matt Murray, and more
Anthony Scultore
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The NHL rumors train doesn’t stop and we do our best to keep you up to speed. Today’s rumors du jour hit on the Minnesota Wild, Vancouver, Canucks, Edmonton Oilers, and more.
NHL rumors – Mikael Granlund will be a UFA
This really won’t be a surprise as the Nashville Predators were very disappointed in what they got out of Granlund and thus letting him walk via free agency. His agent announced that this past weekend.
At 28 year-old center struggled ever since the Minnesota Wild traded him in 2018-19. He never seemed to fit in with the Predators and will be looking for a new home.
One of those places could be Columbus who have difficulty attracting (or keeping) big name free agents. Granlund could be a perfect fit for the Jackets looking to add a solid two-way center.
NHL rumors – Tyler Toffoli looking at a Vancouver return?
It looks like Tyler Toffoli is interested in returning to Vancouver. He and Chris Kreider were two of the bigger names available last season. While Kreider re-signed with the Rangers, the rebuilding Kings moved their power forward.
The Canucks are reported to also have mutual interest in bringing him back. Expect the two sides to work out a new deal before free agent frenzy hits.
NHL rumors – Matt Murray could be Edmonton’s new starter
It sounds like the Edmonton Oilers could be looking at trading for the Penguins, Matt Murray to be their new starter. According to the Edmonton Journal, the Oilers have already kicked the tires on Murray.
Sure they’ve kicked the tires on Pittsburgh’s Matt Murray in a trade…but they already have Mikko Koskinen at $4.5 million for two more years and, really, his .917 save percentage in 39 games was just fine but he wasn’t as good in the series against Chicago and that was troublesome. What the Oilers — right up against the salary cap — are probably looking at is a younger version of Mike Smith on the UFA market, somebody in the $2.5-million range, who can play 35 to 40 games with Koskinen and his $4.5 million.
Edmonton Journal
NHL moves Draft Date
The Rangers will need to wait a few more days before selecting Alexis Lafreniere. Latest reports say DAY ONE of the Draft will now be on October 6th.