THW Daily - Suggested Lindholm Blockbuster Not Realistic for Oilers & What's Next Between Guentzel and Penguins
Also, the future for Ryan Reaves and Toronto, how time is running out for Blake Wheeler in New York & more
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In today’s edition, we have a suggested blockbuster trade that sends Elias Lindholm to the Oilers, what happens next between Jake Guentzel and the Penguins amid contract negotiations, and much more.
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Columbus Blue Jackets: 3 Candidates to Replace Elvis Merzlikins by William Espy
Detroit Red Wings: Red Wings Weekly Recap: Larkin Leads the Way & Offense Sputters vs Carolina by Jordan Orth
Florida Panthers: 10 Thoughts on the Florida Panthers: From Winning Ways to Loser's Lounge by Joey Ganzi
New York Rangers: Rangers Have Some Questions to Answer at the Halfway Point of the Season by Jesse Courville-Lynch
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Schroeder & Downie-Landry Lead PWHL New York and Loren Grobel & Alina Müller Lift PWHL Boston
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Reaves Future With Maple Leafs Is Both Certain and Uncertain
January 24, 2024 by The Old Prof
During the 2023 offseason, Ryan Reaves signed a three-year, $4.05 million contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs. The veteran big man is known for his toughness and his gritty playing style. It’s something the Maple Leafs need. When he was signed, new Maple Leafs general manager (GM) Brad Treliving was clear that he picked up Reaves for two reasons – first, his grit and second, for his reputation in perking up the locker room.
While many Maple Leafs fans wondered why the team needed to sign away so much of its valuable salary-cap space, his arrival was also received well by fans who expected Reaves’ toughness and physicality to transcend the lineup. The hope was that he would add an edge that would help the team take the next step — deep into the postseason.
Stauffer’s Lindholm Blockbuster Not Realistic For Oilers
January 24, 2024 by Jesse Courville-Lynch
The Edmonton Oilers are currently riding a 14-game winning streak after defeating the Columbus Blue Jackets 4-1 and extending their franchise record for wins in a row. With the NHL Trade Deadline approaching slowly, the Oilers will have to make some tough decisions and try to bolster their roster. One idea for a trade that has come up recently is a blockbuster deal with their biggest rival.
Bob Stauffer, who is a part of the Oilers’ broadcast team and the host of “Total Sports” as well as “Oilers Now” on Edmonton radio station 630 CHED, suggested a massive trade between the Oilers and the Calgary Flames. In the deal, he suggests the Oilers acquire forward Elias Lindholm from the Flames in exchange for Brett Kulak, Xavier Bourgault and the Oilers’ 2024 first-Round Pick. While this blockbuster deal could definitely bolster the Oilers’ top six and make them an even more offensively-talented team, they would be sacrificing a solid defenseman, a top prospect, and a first-round draft pick for someone on an expiring contract who the Oilers won’t be able to afford past this season.
Senators Will Have to Choose Between Chabot and Chychrun
January 24, 2024 by Dayton Reimer
Look at the Winnipeg Jets, who have allowed the fewest goals against this season. Josh Morrissey, an offensive-minded lefty, is paired with Dylan DeMelo, a right-handed defensive player. On the second pairing, they’ve got lefty Brendan Dillon with righty Neal Pionk.
Compare that to the Ottawa Senators. Their current top pairing is Jake Sanderson, a left-handed two-way defender who has been showcasing some impressive offensive instincts, and Artyom Zub, a right-handed, shutdown defenceman. The second pairing, though, is usually Thomas Chabot, an offensive-minded lefty, and Jakob Chychrun, another offensive-minded lefty. It’s no wonder that there were concerns when former general manager Pierre Dorion acquired Chychrun for three high draft picks last offseason. Sure, he’s talented, but where is he going to play?
Devils’ McLeod and Foote Granted Leave of Absences
January 24, 2024 by Daniel Amoia
New Jersey Devils forward Michael McLeod and defenseman Cal Foote are now two of four NHL players who have been granted a leave of absence from their team. It is unclear if this is related to the recent news regarding Hockey Canada’s sexual assault allegations.
This morning (Jan. 24), The Globe and Mail reported that five former members of Team Canada’s 2018 World Juniors squad were told to surrender to police in London, Ontario to face charges of sexual assault (from ‘Five members of 2018 Canadian junior hockey team to face sexual assault charges,’ The Globe and Mail, January 24, 2022). This appears to be the culmination of a 20-month-long investigation by the London police department. The five players have not been named. Here is the Team Canada roster from the tournament.
What Happens Next for Penguins & Guentzel
January 24, 2024 by Jordan Orth
Since getting drafted in the third round of the 2013 draft by the Pittsburgh Penguins, Jake Guentzel has made himself a household name in the city and has built quite the career. At the end of the 2023-24 season, he finds himself as an unrestricted free agent, and there has been quite a bit of rumors and speculation over what could happen with the 29-year-old forward.
Blake Wheeler Is Running Out of Time to Prove Worth to Rangers
January 24, 2024 by Tom Castro
More than halfway through the 2023-24 season, the New York Rangers still don’t know what they have in the most experienced NHL player on their roster.
No one wearing a Blueshirt this season has played more games than Blake Wheeler’s 1,165 in a career that’s spanned 16 years for three franchises. Yet it’s the 37-year-old right wing, who came to New York as a hyped bargain signing – if there is such a thing – who remains a mystery as to how and if he fits, and whether the Rangers will be rewarded by keeping him in a meaningful role.
More stuff from THW and around the NHL:
Arizona Coyotes - Why the Coyotes Won’t Be Moving to Footprint Center
Edmonton Oilers - Insider Links Oilers to 3 Impactful Wingers After Signing Perry
Nashville Predators - How the Predators Can Fix Cody Glass’ Broken Season
NHL News & Rumors - Flyers, Devils, Flames, Maple Leafs, Blackhawks
From TSN - Report: Five members of Canada’s 2018 WJC team told to surrender to London Police
From Sportsnet - Reflection top of mind as Blue Jackets' Gaudreau returns to Calgary for second time
From ESPN - Blackhawks agree to new 2-year deal with goalie Petr Mrazek
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