There's a lot of talk about the UFAs and what they could do, but the word around the Maple Leafs now is that they're widening their scope of what they'd consider. Now I don't think it is anything like Matthews or Nylander - I don't think we're talking about anything like that - but the word around them is that they're widening their ideas of what they may consider. And they are talking a bit more about players with term.
When the Montreal Canadiens brought in Patrik Laine, he was supposed to come in and provide them some much-needed scoring help. His regular-season debut came later than anticipated, but when he did join the team, he was scoring tons for them. Now, the Canadiens are without him for the start of the season again, and nearly to the end of February, but he is expected to be healthy after the Olympic break.
In today's NHL rumors rundown, there is talk about a potential coaching change for the Edmonton Oilers. Is the head coach on the hot seat, or is the team simply looking at adding another voice behind the bench? Meanwhile, the Toronto Maple Leafs are evaluating potential trade targets, including, but not limited to, Travis Konecny. Finally, Artemi Panarin discussed the factors that led to his trade to the Los Angeles Kings following a brief contract dispute with the Rangers.
"I'm curious to see how the Oilers react to Jarry saying that, and number two, I'm also curious to see how, like, if the fact that the goalie actually comes out and says it, is okay. It's not a coach saying this anymore; it's the goalie we just went out and got who said it. How does that resonate in their room? Do they get mad, or do they say, wait a sec, this isn't a coach, this is our peer."
Beckett Sennecke Anytime Goal Odds vs. the Oilers Anytime Goal Odds: +270 (Bet $10 to win $27.00 if he scores a goal) Sennecke Goals Betting Stats Through 52 games, Sennecke has 41 points, including nine multi-point contests. In 15 of 52 games this season, Sennecke has scored - including two games with multiple goals. Sennecke's 18 goals this season have come via 113 shots (15.9% conversion rate).
Sergei Bobrovsky stopped all 31 shots to make Sam Reinhart's first period snipe stand up in Florida's 1-0 win over the New Jersey Devils. It was Bobrovsky's second shutout of the season and the 51st of his career. Gustav Forsling drew the lone assist on Reinhart's goal, which gave Sam 1 the NHL lead in game-winning goals (five). A couple of milestones took place in Thursday's contest. Defenseman Jeff Petry suited up for his 1,000th NHL game and forward prospect Jack Devine played his first.
Just excitement, obviously. I am excited for a fresh start. Seeing the team, how competitive they are, and where they are in the standings, I knew it would be a motivated group I'd be joining. It kind of goes hand-in-hand with the way I play; I play with a lot of motivation and a bit of a chip on my shoulder. I think that is the way the team is as well.
Connor Bedard's contract extension with the Chicago Blackhawks remains in a "fluid delay," according to Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic. Discussions between Bedard's camp and Chicago started conceptually over the summer but were paused until an undetermined time. My understanding is neither side has pinpointed exactly how far down the road they've kicked the ball. It's a fluid delay. Perhaps they pick it back up in the new year. Perhaps it waits until after the season. Either way, nothing is imminent on that front.
This truly feels like Canada's team, as this run has been the talk of the sports world. Canadian fans of hockey and basketball know that what's happening with the Blue Jays is special. This isn't my first rodeo covering a team in their respective championship. In the last two seasons, the Edmonton Oilers have made the Stanley Cup Finals, losing both to the Florida Panthers.
The Oilers didn't make huge splashes in free agency, with their biggest addition being winger Andrew Mangiapane from Washington and Issac Howard brought in from Tampa Bay. Mangiapane will be a solid option on the wings in the Oilers top nine and has shown in the past that he's capable of a 25 to 30 goal season when put in the right position. Expect to see him used in all situations, and potentially seeing some action on the top line with McDavid throughout the season.
