NHL Trade Talk Recap: McDavid Comments, Leafs Trades, Sens

The NHL’s news cycle kicks off Monday, March 23, with Edmonton drama, surprise trade rumours, and rising playoff hopes in Ottawa.

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There might be trouble in Oil Country, with frustrations beginning to boil over after post-game comments from Connor McDavid didn’t sit well with some observers. Meanwhile, a potential trade involving Matthew Knies is gaining attention, with an intriguing mock return package reportedly tied to the Anaheim Ducks.

Elsewhere, the Ottawa Senators may be getting overlooked. Playing some of their best hockey of the season and sitting right on the cusp of a playoff spot, it might be time to give this young team a second look.

McDavid Stirs Up an Already Drama-Filled Season

Edmonton Oilers Captain Connor McDavid was in the news on Monday when he made some comments following an Oilers game versus the Lightning. McDavid commented on Lightning Head Coach Jon Cooper and how well-coached his team is, and that the Oilers are “somewhat rehearsed and organized, but not to their level.”

Many people, including insider Frank Seravalli, took this comment as a shot at Oilers Coach Kris Knoblauch. Seravalli’s main point was that these types of comments from McDavid were simply pouring gasoline on an already burning fire of a season. He also notes that the comment from the Oilers Captain, given his leadership role with the team, is not something you want to see.

McDavid has cleared things up since speaking with the media on Sunday, noting that his comments were not meant as a shot at his own coach. Hopefully, this will not be an issue for the Stanley Cup hopefuls going forward. But with all the teams behind Edmonton in the Pacific also struggling, this will be the perfect time right the ship and get back on the winning path.

Insider Critical of McDavid’s Play and Postgame Comments After Lightning Loss

Insider Pitches Knies Trade With Anaheim

There has been plenty of trade buzz surrounding Matthew Knies and the Toronto Maple Leafs since the deadline. Enough that Nick Kypreos suggests this is a situation that will remerge this summer, causing many potential trade partners for the Leafs to emerge.

One that made headlines on Monday is the potential of a former third-overall pick coming back to Toronto in exchange for Knies. Five teams showed serious interest at the deadline, according to Elliotte Friedman in his latest 32 Thoughts column. The Anaheim Ducks were one of those five seriously interested teams. Many believe that former third-overall pick Mason McTavish would be a perfect fit for a trade like this. The 23-year-old McTavish is in the first year of a six-year, $42 million extension he signed with the Ducks in September. He was recently health-scratched for two games, which is what led his name to be on the rumour mill. With the Leafs in need of a legitimate second-line centre and McTavish maybe needing a change of scenery, this could be a perfect match in the offseason. Is Knies ‘ trade talk real, or just smoke and mirrors? Only time will tell.

Could Former Third-Overall Pick Be Part of a Potential Matthew Knies Trade Return?

NHL Might Be Overlooking The Senators

It might be time for NHL playoff teams to learn where Kanata is because the Senators are playing their best hockey, and it might be time to start taking them seriously. The Sens, who are on the cusp of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, are sitting just four points out of the second wild card spot.

The team that has been as hot as anyone, they’ve been on fire since the Olympic break. In the last dozen games, they have collected 18 points with an 8-2-2 record. A team that is playing well at the perfect time could and could be trending to go from outside looking in to securing their spot.

Riding on the back of their star Brady Tkachuk, who not only brings energy to the team, but also scores with the best of them, 47 points in 49 games. They have depth and grit, which is just what you need once you get into the tight, hard-nosed style of play that is playoff hockey. With a team built like this, if the Sens can sneak into the playoffs, it might be time to put some respect on the Ottawa Senators.

Count Out the Senators at Your Own Risk

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