The Edmonton Oilers are looking for a top-nine forward
TSN: Pierre LeBrun said that after the Edmonton Oilers had their pro meetings last week and they determined that they would like to add a top-nine forward. Now, will it be a center or a winger? They debate internally if Ryan Nugent-Hopkins should be on the wing or as their 3rd line center.
“There are more wingers that are going to be available on the market than there are going to be centres. So that might be a self-fulfilling prophecy where perhaps the Oilers go out and trade for a winger.
Because there are so many teams still in the race, so much parity and so few sellers, I don’t think anything is imminent for Edmonton.”
TSN: Pierre LeBruns adds that some of the forwards that are on the Oilers’ list of interested players, those teams aren’t looking to sell just yet. They’ll have to remain patient.
NHL Rumors: Senators, Flames, Hurricanes, Wild, Kings, and Maple Leafs
The Florida Panthers are actively looking to upgrade
TSN: The Florida Panthers are still in the playoff race despite missing Aleksander Barkov and Matthew Tkachuk (now back), and now Seth Jones. Teams have told Pierre LeBrun that Panthers GM Bill Zito has been active and looking to upgrade.
“And I don’t think it’s a specific area he’s trying to address. I think it’s, generally, what can I do to upgrade my team before Feb. 4. So, keep an eye on Florida. They’ve made a lot of good trades the last few years and they’re trying to make another one.”
TSN: The Florida Panthers aren’t trying to force anything, as GM Bill Zito makes his calls around the league. They want to do something to improve, but have their cap situation to deal with as well.
“The other thing I’d say is that they’re up against it cap wise. All the injuries they’ve had have really eaten into their accrued cap space. They have to keep space open for Sasha Barkov if he’s back for the playoffs, so they don’t have a lot of room to maneuver here. And by the way, that’s if they make the playoffs.”
NHL Rumors: Elias Pettersson, and Mika Zibanejad
The Seattle Kraken are looking for a top-six winger, and they could be listening on Shane Wright
TSN: Darren Dreger says the Seattle Kraken are looking for a first-line winger or a top-six winger. They have drafted a lot of centermen, and with that depth down the middle, they feel they could move one to acquire a winger.
“Teams say that Jason Botterill, the GM of the Seattle Kraken, is listening on Shane Wright. But he is in no rush and understandably, the expected return for Shane Wright is incredibly high.”
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