Well, hockey fans, it’s that time of year again. The NHL trade deadline is upon us. NHL rumors are alive and kicking. In just one week, or sooner, teams will be jockeying to acquire players.
Sergei Bobrovsky, 37, becomes an unrestricted free agent in July. His seven-year, $70 million contract will expire. Since he has not signed an extension, speculation is running rampant as to his status. The Florida Panthers won’t lose him for nothing, so is a trade in the thought pattern of the Panthers’ management? A suitable replacement may be difficult to find.
Bobrovsky has played 795 games, posting a stellar 2.61 goals-against average. His .912 save percentage shows he is an excellent goaltender.
Another goalie who performed very well in the Olympics is Jordan Binnington. There have been rumors that he may be moved. So, what about a good old-fashioned goalie for goalie swap? Binnington has played 368 games with a 2.86 GAA and a .903 SV%. His salary is currently $6 million good through next season. He will turn 33 in July, so he is younger than Bobrovsky.
A potential trade would need the St. Louis Blues to add a draft pick to the deal to allow Florida to part with their star netminder. Both clubs are looking for answers, and this prospective trade could be a start.
The Edmonton Oilers seek to improve their right-side defense, and Oliver Ekman-Larsson or Justin Faulk can certainly fill that gap. First, the Oilers must acquire some cap space to do any roster upgrades. Andrew Mangapane must be moved to gather some cap room. He carries a $3.6 million cap hit through next season.
Ekman-Larsson has a similar cap hit at $3.5 millon through the 2027-28 campaign. OEL has eight goals and 27 assists in 59 games this season, and could add veteran leadership to the blueline. Edmonton has been slumping of late, going just 4-6 over their 10 games.
Faulk is a bit more expensive as he commands a $6.5 million contract through next season. He has 11 goals and 21 assists in 58 games this year.
What would it cost the Oilers to obtain either D-man? The Toronto Maple Leafs would require a first-round pick or a top prospect. The St. Louis Blues would be asking a reportedly high price to release Faulk’s services. Some reports suggest an asking price similar to the package for Rasmus Andersson (a first-round pick, a conditional second-round pick, a pro defenseman, and a prospect).
It would seem that Edmonton’s best option is to go after Ekman-Larsson at this point.
At least five NHL teams are interested in Bobby McMann if he doesn’t re-sign in Toronto. The New York Islanders, Seattle Kraken, Detroit Red Wings, Los Angeles Kings, and the Utah Mammoth have all expressed interest in adding the forward to their rosters.
McMann has a current contract for $1.35 million that expires this summer. The good-sized (6′-2″, 217-pound) forward has tallied 19 goals and 13 assists in 58 games thus far this season.
Utah could have the inside track here to sign McMann. They possess exactly what Toronto desperately needs: draft capital and a deep system. They own their first-round pick and boast plenty of promising young players and prospects to dangle as trade bait. The Leafs don’t have a first-round pick this year, and it could profit both clubs to consummate a deal.
With the Mammoth making a bid for a playoff spot, McMann fits the bill. He brings a rugged, north-south style of play that Utah’s front office has openly coveted. He forechecks like a demon, has a surprisingly heavy shot release, and immediately upgrades any middle-six forward group gearing up for a physical stretch play-off run.
It sounds like a no-brainer for general manager Bill Armstrong.
It appears that Bobrovsky’s run in Florida is winding down. If the Panthers don’t make a late playoff run, color him gone.
Ekman-Larsson would fit in nicely in Edmonton if a deal can be worked out. Faulk may be more of a long shot, but it’s still a possibility for the Oilers.
McMann would flourish in Utah. He’d get more ice time and, best of all, the contract he deserves. The Mammoth have $28.6 million in deadline cap space. I bet Armstrong is on the phone now, working out a trade that could help his club qualify for the postseason.
That concludes this edition of NHL rumors. Be sure to check back frequently, and thanks for reading!
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