NHL Rumors: More teams after Timo Meier, and Oilers made pitch for Patrick Kane
Anthony Scultore
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Today’s NHL Rumors takes an updated look at two of the biggest names on the trade market.
San Jose Sharks forward Timo Meier has drawn a lot of interest this season, but even though some teams have dropped out like the Rangers and Leafs, more are coming to the fold.
And as we await Patrick Kane’s decision, one team has already made a pitch for his services.
NHL Rumors: More teams in on Timo Meier
Meier, 26, will be a restricted free agent with salary arbitration rights in July. He isn’t your typical trade deadline rental but that isn’t stopping a handful of teams from getting involved.
If you’re the New Jersey Devils and thought Meier was most likely to land on Jack Hughes’ wing at the deadline, the latest rumblings aren’t great. On the most recent TSN Insider Trading, Pierre LeBrun introduced a new heavy hitter.
“Blues general manager Doug Armstrong told reporters over the weekend that he wants this to be a pretty quick re-tool He’s looking for players who are 25, 26 years old as he reloads over the next year,” LeBrun reported. “Well, guess what? Timo Meier is 26 years old. And yes, we’re told the Blues have inquired with San Jose on Meier. Remember, the Blues now have three first-round picks, and my understanding is the Blues would be ready to part with two first-round picks in a package for Meier.”
In a recent interview by Forever Blueshirts with Luke Fox of Sportsnet, he notes the Blues recent trades of Vladimir Tarasenko and Ryan O’Reilly gives them three first-round picks to play with in any potential blockbuster.
However, multiple insiders believe the New Jersey Devils are still the leading candidate to get Meier in a deal with the Carolina Hurricanes running a close second. However, aside from the Blues, LeBrun notes the Winnipeg Jets and Vegas Golden Knights could also be in the mix.
Meier has 31 goals and 52 points on the season in 57 games.
NHL Rumors: Patrick Kane to the Oilers?
Patrick Kane still seems torn on whether he will waive his full no-move clause yet. After stunningly expressing his disappointment that the New York Rangers seemingly passed on him to acquire Vladimir Tarasenko, it’s unknown if he will leave Chicago by the deadline.
According to Elliotte Friedman, the Edmonton Oilers have apparently made a play for the three-time Stanley Cup champion.
“I do think they’ve made a pitch for Patrick Kane, but it’s up to the winger to decide,” Friedman wrote. “We’re all wondering if that’s the best use of their assets, and what I’m guessing is they want the option to have a strong second line if they play Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl together. Kane/Nugent-Hopkins/Kane could work.”
Kane, 34, has scored 42 points in 53 games this season. He has a massive cap hit of $10.5 million that many contenders may require a third team to help drive down the cost.
