In today’s NHL rumors report on the Hockey Writers, I cover news out of Edmonton that defenseman Andrej Sekera is nearing a return and that equates to a possible trade for names like Brandon Manning and Alex Petrovic. I also look at the Florida Panthers who might trade a couple key forwards to make room for two big fish in free agency. There are also updates on the Winnipeg Jets, Vegas Golden Knights and Artemi Panarin for Matt Duchene?
The Oilers Getting Ready for Sekera
TSN’s Bob McKenzie reported that Andrej Sekera is nearing a return for the Edmonton Oilers and the organization will need to move out salary. That means players like Brandon Manning, should be either waived or traded.
@Condors @Lowetide @CondorsHolty Won't be here long… #Sekera pic.twitter.com/CmsXGWpo0S
— Mark I Williams M.D. (@CameraGuyBakoCA) February 9, 2019
If the Oilers don’t win at least two of their next three games, they might be moving out more than one contract.
Mike Hoffman Available Out of Florida
Elliotte Friedman was on Vancouver’s Sportsnet 650 recently and said, “I definitely think Hoffman is available… I wouldn’t be surprised if somebody trades for him because you’re always looking for scoring.”
Mike Hoffman became the seventh player in @FlaPanthers franchise history to score 25 or more goals in his first season with the club. #NHLStats pic.twitter.com/yhtgQYoAcl
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) February 10, 2019
Friedman admitted he’d heard some whispers about Jonathan Huberdeau potentially being moved out of Florida as well but thinks Hoffman is the guy to go if the Panthers want to clear space.
What would Hoffman fetch in return or is this more an opportunity for another team because Florida simply wants to move salary out?
Panarin Out, Duchene In?
Could the Columbus Blue Jackets be looking to move Artemi Panarin and with the pieces they grab from that trade, flip assets over to the Ottawa Senators for Matt Duchene?
The only way this works is if the Blue Jackets walk away with assets after the trades are complete. Otherwise, the organization might as well hang onto Panarin.
Winnipeg Jets Want a Winger
TSN’s Darren Dreger reported in the latest Insider Trading (video link) that the Jets top priority is not a center but an impact winger.
No Rentals For Vegas
Vegas Golden Knights general manager George McPhee told David Schoen of the Las Vegas Review-Journal that he’s not going to be a big player on the rental market and instead might look for depth pieces.