NHL Rumors: Evander Kane, Arizona Coyotes, Edmonton Oilers

Welcome to the Wednesday edition of NHL Rumors. This time we will track the latest from Evander Kane, the Arizona Coyotes, and Edmonton Oilers.

Evander Kane – What’s Next?

Rumor: Per – Pierre LeBrun TSN. According to Lebrun, Evander Kane is now an unrestricted free agent free to sign with the team of his choice. He will be getting just a one-year deal for the remainder of the season in the $1.5 – $2 million range. How soon could this happen? Perhaps as soon as this week according to Gord Miller.

Analysis: Kane’s agent, Dan Milstein, indicated a number of teams have expressed interest in his client. One of those clubs is the Edmonton Oilers but he doesn’t know if that’ll translate into a contract offer. There are even some rumors that Kane could be signed fairly quickly, and that the Oilers will be the team.

I’m hearing Evander Kane will be signing in the next few hours. Destination: Edmonton Oilers. @EdmontonOilers #nhl #HockeyTwitter

— Tim Peel (@TimCPeel20) January 11, 2022

 

Other teams who have shown an interest in the volatile forward include the Toronto Maple Leafs, Carolina Hurricanes, and Tampa Bay Lightning. The issue with all the teams, including Edmonton, is finding cap space to make it work. Still, the Oilers are reeling from just two wins in their last 13 games including a current five-game tailspin. They can use all the help they can get.

Can Ken Holland and/or Dave Tippett control the antics of one Evander Kane? We will need to stay with all the NHL rumors as they hit home.

Arizona Coyotes – Jakob Chychrun

Rumor: Per – Jeff Marek Sportsnet.ca. At least 10 teams have expressed interest in the talented blueliner Jakob Chychrun. There have been several offers put on the table, so now it is the waiting game to see which offer general manager Bill Armstrong accepts. The interested teams who could manage the high-demand return include the Los Angeles Kings, St. Louis Blues, and Anaheim Ducks. The return is said to be a young NHL player, a high-end prospect, and a first-round pick.

Analysis: The Ducks could be really motivated since they could be losing Hampus Lindholm who will be an unrestricted free agent at season’s end. Both the Ducks and Kings have an endless supply of young prospects to offer in a trade. They both can provide the draft pick that Arizona is seeking to continue their intense rebuild.

Another team that threw their hat into the ring to acquire Chychrun is the Boston Bruins. Don’t forget they are still interested in moving Jake DeBrusk. Chychrun can certainly help all the listed teams interested in his services. Right now, Armstrong is in a strong negotiating position to get what he wants…. or he could just keep Chychrun.

Edmonton Oilers – Josh Anderson

Rumor: Per – Jim Matheson Edmontonjournal.com. Matheson was thinking that the Oilers need a power forward like Josh Anderson with a mean streak in their top-six. He also wondered if the Habs would be interested in an offer of a 2022 first-round pick, prospect Xavier Bourgault and “something else.”

Analysis: While adding Anderson to the already potent offence the Oilers possess sounds great, their top priority should be finding out how to keep pucks out of their net. With Mike Smith still ailing and Mikko Koskinen sporting a 12-7-1 record with a dismal .900 save percentage and an even less inspiring 3.19 goals-against-average, scoring is not a concern.

The current situation in Montreal has many teams thinking there will be numerous players available and the way the Habs have been playing that could very well be true. Yet, it’s doubtful that Anderson with be going anywhere especially since he is only in the second year of his seven-year $38.5 million deal. Still, stranger things have happened, so stayed focused on NHL rumors right here with Full Press Hockey.