NHL Trade Talk Weekend Rumors: Oilers, Canucks, Devils

In a new NHL Trade Talk weekend rumors report, we’re looking at the Vancouver Canucks and a few players who have been linked to trades this week. We’re also looking more closely at what the Edmonton Oilers intend to do after adding John Klingberg in free agency. Is Edmonton done? Finally, the New Jersey Devils are looking for a center. Who might they have their sights set on?

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Brock Boeser Faces Uncertain Future with Canucks

With the NHL trade deadline not that far away, the Canucks are the subject of much water cooler talk. Most of the chatter surrounds Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller, but Brock Boeser‘s time with the Vancouver Canucks could be nearing its end.

The 27-year-old winger, the longest-tenured Canuck, wants to stay, but he understands he might be the “easy” trade to make from an organizational standpoint. He’s not loving the drama surrounding the team, saying, “I don’t want it to end like this.” He also knows as a pending UFA, teams will be asking about him in deadline trade conversations, even as he struggles a bit this season.

His production has fallen to 15 goals in 37 games, which is not great in a contract year. He might be open to moving on and getting in a place where there is less drama and he can start putting in goals. That would give him a chance to win, but also up his value this summer.

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General Manager Patrik Allvin has yet to engage in significant contract negotiations with the pending UFA.

As for the Canucks other trade rumors, Miller is said to be the most likely trade between himself and Elias Pettersson. The Blue Jackets and Blackhawks were the latest two teams linked to Pettersson, but nothing is imminent. As for Miller, the Canucks are growing increasingly frustrated with his attitude, and many wonder if he’s resolved to accept a trade if a team can offer the Canucks something of value.

What’s Next for the Oilers After John Klingberg?

Most insiders don’t believe the Edmonton Oilers are done making moves. They signed defenseman John Klingberg to a one-year deal worth $1.35 million, but they may add another defenseman.

First, Klingberg is a calculated risk that the Oilers feel could pay off. But, he’s not exactly the shutdown, gritty defenseman the team could use. Second, if Klingberg doesn’t rebound, the Oilers will be making moves at the deadline to find one more blueliner.

Expect the Oilers to make a couple of roster moves on Saturday to get back under the cap ceiling and operate outside of LTIR. The idea is to make as little of Klingberg’s new contract count against their books and let them keep accruing cap space.

The Klingberg news suggests that the Oilers know Evander Kane won’t be coming back before the end of the regular season.

Devils Trying to Find a Center in Trade

In an interview with The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun, New Jersey Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald admitted he’s looking for a center at the trade deadline. He wants a player that will give the team “extra oomph”, allowing the Devils to continually roll four lines.

Among the names mentioned in trade discussions, Yanni Gourde of the Seattle Kraken and Brock Nelson of the New York Islanders are popular There was also some chatter this week that the Devils have reached out to the Nashville Predators about Ryan O’Reilly and they might be willing to take a big swing on J.T. Miller.

A big move would require the team send Simon Nemec the other way. That has been rumored as possible, given that Nemec is frustrated with the organization.

Next: 3 Trade Deadline Candidates for the Chicago Blackhawks