In in the present day’s NHL rumors rundown, the Montreal Canadiens might be official sellers and one insider thinks talks have fallen aside between the crew and Jake Evans. In the meantime, the Edmonton Oilers are glad about what they’re seeing from John Klingberg, however have they got larger plans for him? Additionally, what are the Oilers pondering in relation to the NHL commerce deadline? Lastly, whey did Quinn Hughes pull out of the 4 Nations Face-Off event?
Evans Seemingly Will get Commerce by the Canadiens
In accordance with TSN’s Pierre LeBrun, the Montreal Canadiens and Jake Evans usually are not shut on a contract extension and the greenback determine remains to be fairly a methods aside.
He defined:
“As mentioned at intermission throughout on our Habs TSN broadcast, my understanding is Jake Evans and the Canadiens have exchanged numbers on what an extension would possibly appear like and so they’re not shut. Clearly issues can change with one cellphone name, however as of now that makes it extra seemingly Evans will get dealt earlier than the March 7 deadline. Calls from groups asking about Evans have elevated currently with the Habs’ slide within the standings.”
Evans is a pending UFA making $1.7 million on the wage cap this season. There needs to be loads of suitors if and when the Canadiens formally put him in the marketplace.
Klingberg to Get Particular Groups Time and Commerce Deadline Discuss
Oilers’ GM Stan Bowman spoke with The Athletic about how John Klingberg has already labored his manner into a job the place the coaches can belief him. The following step is to get him particular groups time.
Bowman mentioned:
Proper now, he’s solely taking part in 17 minutes. Ultimately, they’ll in all probability bump up just a little bit to 18 or 19. He’s not on the particular groups. I feel he’ll discover his manner onto these, however we’re attempting to work him in slowly. Ideally, you can have your pairs the place a high participant would possibly play 22 minutes after which 20 and 18. That will be kind of a perfect utilization, so that you just don’t burn out.”
supply – ‘Inside Oilers’ roster choices to raise Stanley Cup pursuit: Stan Bowman Q&A’ – Daniel Nugent-Bowman – The Athletic – 02/10/2025
As for what Bowman is on the lookout for on the commerce deadline, he mentioned he doesn’t really feel the crew has obtrusive roster holes, however they’re evaluating potential participant additions based mostly on match slightly than necessity. They’ll weigh the good thing about including gamers who develop into obtainable versus the present group, and figuring out if doing so would make them a greater crew.
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“It will not be a big-name addition — or it might be. It’s nonetheless just a little bit early to attempt to prognosticate that. I’m taking a look at a whole lot of completely different choices, and we’re not ruling issues out.”
Bowman additionally mentioned he doesn’t foresee the Oilers asking Jeff Skinner to waive his no-trade clause, he isn’t prioritizing including a goaltender, and he doesn’t have an replace on the standing of Evander Kane.
Hughes Formally Pulls Out of 4 Nations
Canucks’ Normal Supervisor Patrik Allvin introduced Sunday that defenseman Quinn Hughes wouldn’t play for the US on the 4 Nations Face-Off event. Hughes felt his harm state of affairs was too unsure and the danger of constructing it worse because the Canucks had been combating for a playoff spot was irresponsible.
Agent Pat Brisson on Quinn Hughes: “It’s not in his DNA to again out of something. It was so arduous for him to make that call… however he simply feels accountable as captain of the Canucks to be the perfect he may be for his crew. His degree of maturity is unmatched for a 25 yo.”
