THW Daily - Oilers Should Overpay for Boone Jenner & Noticeable 5-On-5 Improvements for Sabres
Also, rookie sensation Connor Bedard is close to returning & more
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In today’s edition, we have reasons why the Oilers should overpay for Boone Jenner at the trade deadline, the noticeable 5-on-5 improvements for Buffalo, and much more.
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Florida Panthers: 10 Thoughts on the Panthers: All-Star Break Edition by Joey Ganzi
St. Louis Blues: Blue Note Weekly Audio Report: Robert Thomas Has Big Week as All-Star in Toronto by Ethan Carter
Edmonton Oilers: Oilers Overtime: Winning or Buying... You Can't Have Both by Jim Parsons
Boston Bruins: 4 Keys to the Rest of the Bruins' Season by Scott Roche
Colorado Avalanche: Avalanche Prospect Update: Calum Ritchie, Jeremy Hanzel & More by Stefano Rubino
New Jersey Devils: Devils' Prospect Update: Gritsyuk Shining in KHL by JP Gambatese
Nashville Predators: Grading the Nashville Predators After the All-Star Break by Emma Lingan
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Yesterday’s Scores…
Connor Bedard Getting Closer to Returning to Blackhawks’ Lineup
February 7, 2024 by Gail Kauchak
The Chicago Blackhawks hit the ice for practice on Monday (Feb. 5) for the first time since the All-Star Break. Their record of 14-34-2 is currently last in the league. But the team still wants to make the most of their remaining 32 games. One player who everyone has their eye on is 18-year-old Connor Bedard, who’s currently recovering from a broken jaw. Just when will he return to the lineup?! Here’s the latest updates.
Oilers Should Overpay in Trade for Blue Jackets’ Boone Jenner
February 7, 2024 by Jesse Courville-Lynch
The Edmonton Oilers are in a strong position as they exit the All-Star Break. After a rough start to their 2023-24 campaign, they have fought back to a playoff spot with a lengthy winning streak and find themselves near the top of the Pacific Division.
The Oilers made it clear when they acquired defenceman Mattias Ekholm that they’d prefer to make deals for someone with term left on their contract. They flipped Tyson Barrie, Reid Schaefer, and two draft picks for Ekholm, who had several seasons left on his contract and remains a huge part of the Oilers’ blue line. If the Oilers want to do the same thing and bring in a player who can impact the team past this season’s postseason run, they should look to the Columbus Blue Jackets and target their captain, Boone Jenner.
Devils and Senators Could Be Perfect Trade Partners
February 7, 2024 by JP Gambatese
With the NHL trade deadline just over a month away, it’s time to look at potential trade partners for the New Jersey Devils.
While yes, the Devils have struggled at times this season and are currently sitting outside a wild-card position, there are a plethora of reasons why the Devils should consider moving their picks and prospects for players who can contribute towards a playoff push now and in the future. The biggest two factors in this regard are health and goaltending.
3 Maple Leafs’ Trade Partners in Potential Ryan Reaves Deal
February 7, 2024 by Jesse Courville-Lynch
The Toronto Maple Leafs are hoping they can make it back to the postseason after another season of disappointment in their 2022-23 campaign. At the time of this article, they sit tied for the first wild card spot in the Eastern Conference with the Detroit Red Wings, but luckily they have games in hand on every team above them. It’s fair to assume they will be buying at the 2024 Trade Deadline to bolster their roster and try to make their team the most competitive it’s ever been.
The Maple Leafs don’t have much room on their salary cap this season, sitting at just under $35,000 with no money being accrued for the deadline. For the team to be able to make trades and improve their roster, they will have to move out some money. One player who has found themself on the outside looking in is veteran forward Ryan Reaves, who signed a three-year contract this past offseason worth $1.35 million per season. After his comments stating he hates sitting out after being healthy for a couple of weeks, there is a possibility his time with the Maple Leafs is coming to an end.
Sabres’ 5-on-5 Improvements Are Noticeable
February 7, 2024 by Michael Golden
The Buffalo Sabres didn’t get off to the start they wanted this season. During the first two months, nothing seemed to go their way. They suffered injuries, lacked defensive structure, and had inconsistent goaltending and scoring. However, they have slowly improved their play at even strength over the past month and a half.
Their defense, offense, and goaltending have all ranked in the top half of the league since Dec. 21, resulting in a respectable 9-6-1 record since then. Unfortunately, the Sabres’ putrid power play has prevented them from reaching another gear.
Flames Reportedly Rejected Rangers’ Offer for Elias Lindholm
February 7, 2024 by Jesse Courville-Lynch
The NHL trade deadline is rapidly approaching and teams around the NHL have been slowly figuring out whether they’re going to be buyers or sellers. The Vancouver Canucks made their intentions known with a blockbuster trade acquiring Elias Lindholm from the Calgary Flames in exchange for a massive package including Andrei Kuzmenko and a 2024 first-round pick.
While the New York Rangers will be looking to reward their team for a strong first half of the season and will be buyers at the deadline, they have held off on making any big moves up until this point.
More stuff from THW and around the NHL:
Edmonton Oilers - 3 Oilers Most Likely to Be Traded Ahead of 2024 Deadline
Philadelphia Flyers - Flyers’ Samu Tuomaala Becoming Exactly What Team Hoped
St. Louis Blues - Which Blues Players Will Make the 2026 Olympics?
NHL News & Rumors - Flames, Canadiens, Sabres, Rangers
From TSN - Jets' Dillon suspended three games for illegal check to the head
From Sportsnet - 'Ultimate ambassador': Lanny McDonald continues to be leader and mentor for Flames
From ESPN - Oilers rue 'missed opportunities' as win streak ends at 16
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