NHL Rumors: Penguins, Oilers, Jets, More

In today’s NHL rumor rundown there is news out of Pittsburgh that the Penguins have three possible players on their list that they’re willing to move to free up cap space. In Winnipeg, the Jets have a lot of work to do and there’s growing concern about an offer sheet and in Edmonton, there is a buzz as the team looks for another forward.

Penguins Possible Trades Focused on Three Players

Shelly Anderson of Pittsburgh Hockey NOW says because there are too many other players the Pittsburgh Penguins are unwilling to move, the discussion on possible player trades focuses on Patric Hornqvist, Nick Bjugstad, and Bryan Rust.

The problem for the Penguins is, every team knows they need to move someone because of cap issues. The Penguins aren’t getting fair value. Signing Brandon Tanev for six years didn’t help the matter.

Justin Williams Leaning Towards Returning

GM Don Waddell told Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer that he thinks Justin Williams may be leaning towards to the NHL to play one more season with the Carolina Hurricanes.

Waddell is hoping for a final decision in the near future. Williams is coming off a solid 2018-19 season that saw him collect 53 points in 82 regular seasons games, along with seven points in 15 postseason contests.  Part of the reason the Hurricanes haven’t done much in free agency is that they’re waiting on Williams.

Alexander writes:

If not, the only missing piece is Williams, who is still mulling things over and is an unrestricted free agent.

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“He hasn’t given us 100 percent yet which way he’s going to go,” Waddell said Tuesday during a conference call. “I think he potentially could be leaning toward playing. We should know in the near future.”

source – ‘With Sebastian Aho’s contract settled, the Hurricanes can look ahead to next season’ – Chip Alexander – The News & Observer – 07/03/2019

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Islanders Looking to Add a Center

New York Islanders GM, Lou Lamoriello told reporters, including Newsday’s Andrew Gross, the team was hoping to add to their center depth this offseason.

Their top three of Mathew Barzal, Brock Nelson, and Casey Cizikas is strong but there is an opening that Lamoriello indicated they might have a prospect, seek a signing out of college or grab a player like Derick Brassard or Brian Boyle.

Gross writes:

But the Islanders’ offseason to-do list still includes identifying a fourth center after Valtteri Filppula returned to the Red Wings to finish his career following his one season on Long Island. And after elite playmaker Artemi Panarin spurned a larger offer from the Islanders to leave the Blue Jackets and join the rival Rangers on a seven-year, $81.5-million deal, Lamoriello is still likely looking for a scoring forward.

source – ‘Islanders were quiet in free agent market, but have work to do’ – Andrew Gross – Newsday – 07/02/2019