NHL Rumors: Oilers, Pettersson, Canucks, Red Wings

In today’s NHL rumors rundown, the Edmonton Oilers got good news on the injury status of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Meanwhile, what will the Oilers do about their inconsistent goaltending? Elias Pettersson was not at practice for the Vancouver Canucks on Sunday. His status for Monday’s game is unknown. Finally, the Detroit Red Wings also lost a key part of their lineup long-term as Erik Gustafsson is out.

Injuries to McDavid and Draisaitl Not Serious

Stan Bowman was the guest on After Hours for Hockey Night in Canada and shared that the Oilers aren’t terribly concerned about the injuries to either Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl. Neither issue is said to be serious, and both will be back sometime during the regular season.

It is expected that Draisaitil will make it back first. McDavid won’t be far behind. Trent Frederic is skating and is approximately 10-14 days from returning. Bowman was asked about Evander Kane, and he was under the impression that Kane would be back for the playoffs but wasn’t 100% sure it would be Game 1.

Contract talks with McDavid aren’t happening yet, but Bowman seemed confident that completing an extension wouldn’t be a problem.

Oilers to Address Goaltending Inconsistencies This Summer

Bob Stauffer of Oilers Now said during a conversation with Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli that the plan this offseason is to address the goaltending inconsistencies in Edmonton. “I know for a fact they’re gonna do that,” Stauffer said, hinting that the search will be for a 1B goalie to challenge backup Calvin Pickard.

Stauffer added, “I do expect Edmonton to engage in signing an organizational number three goalie that’s played in the National Hockey League in the last couple of years.” He noted, “I think that market will be there for Edmonton.” Stauffer doesn’t believe the Oilers are going to try and replace Stuart Skinner or “run him out of town” because they don’t like him as a starter.

No Pettersson for Canucks at Practice, a Maybe for Monday

Iain McIntyre tweeted on Sunday, “No Elias Pettersson or Nils Hoglander at Canucks practice in Jersey, although they haven’t yet been ruled out for Monday’s game vs Devils. AHL C Aatu Raty is on standby, but he’s not here at practice. Junior Pettersson filling in as 12th F.”