Welcome to another edition of NHL Rumours! Logan Stankoven made his NHL debut and has his first multi point game of his young career. Teams appear to be allergic to playing in overtime, as the Bruins have played six in a row. While that is fun stuff, the trade deadline is growing nearer and the buzz is churning fast. Today’s rumours focus on the Edmonton Oilers and the New Jersey Devils.
NHL Rumours
Edmonton Oilers
Rumour: Elliote Friedman on 32 Thoughts podcast discusses Anthony Mantha and the Oilers
With the Edmonton Oilers rising to the top of the standings, there is no doubt that they will be big buyers at the trade deadline. Over the last several weeks, there have been Rumours of the team looking for wingers. The strength of the team is down the middle but could use a boost behind Zach Hyman and Evander Kane. Friedman brings up a name that is familiar with General Manager Ken Holland.
Anthony Mantha was a player drafted by Holland when he was a member of the Detroit Red Wings. Mantha now plays in Washington and could be on the move. Washington does remain in the thick of things for the playoff race but could sell Mantha to a contender.
Mantha is a big body winger that can put the puck in the net. It was a slow start for him but he has picked up the pace the last two months, as he has 17 points in that span. It may not be the flashiest move but it is depth at the wing position. A reunion could be in order in Edmonton, so stay tuned.
New Jersey Devils
Rumour: Frank Seravelli from Daily Faceoff discusses the Devils goalie search
The next set of NHL Rumours takes us out east. One team that is in the thick of things but needs help is the New Jersey Devils. Not only do they need to take care of their own business, but they need aid from teams in front of them as well. Furthermore, they need help in the goal crease and a name has popped up that they have interest in.
Nashville Predators goalie Juuse Saros is a name the Devils have circled and it makes sense. He is a bonafide number one goaltender and has been nothing but great for the predators. As it stands, he currently has a .904 save percentage but a -3.3 goals saved above expected. The Devils goaltenders have been porous, as they rank 32nd in team save percentage despite being in the mix. In other words, get the guys in front some help cause they certainly deserve it.
There is a kink in the hose though. According to Seravelli, the Predators would like to hang on to Saros while they are in the mix. If the offer is sweet enough, Trotz could pull the plug but this would be a huge move in what is a wide open Eastern Conference.
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