Lethal Weapon 8.
— NHL (@NHL) October 14, 2021
Starring: Dominik Kubalik. #NHLFaceOff
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Trade rumors have been circulating all season and will be sure to pick up as the trade deadline approaches on March 21. So far rumors have primarily focused on Dylan Strome and Marc-Andre Fleury with minor rumblings around Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, and Henrik Borgstrom.
There's a rumor now that the Oilers are interested in Dominik Kubalik. Add in another rumor of Edmonton seeking a #1 goalie plus the fact that Fleury has been in the rumor mill and could fit the bill -- assuming he agrees to be traded -- and there could be a deal to be had.
So here's a mock trade to consider, rip apart, or simply discard:
* Edmonton gets Fleury and Kubalik
* Chicago gets Koskinen, Turris, Holloway, and 2022 1st
In this deal, both goalie Mikko Koskinen ($4.5M, 33 years old) and forward Kyle Turris ($1.65M, 32 years old) are on expiring contracts so they help contribute to -- but not fully -- balancing out the cap dollars being exchanged unless the Hawks retain salary on Fleury.
Some mock offers I've seen by Oilers fans on CapFriendly have Zack Kassian going to Chicago instead of Turris. The Hawks already have Kurtis Gabriel so no need for both of them. Plus, Kassian (30 years old) has 2 more years left at $3.2M AAV after this season.
It may be doubtful the Oilers give up both a 1st round draft pick and a top prospect like Dylan Holloway but perhaps the Hawks sweeten the pot by retaining salary on Fleury. Maybe Kubalik already is the sweetener. Or perhaps Holloway is the sweetener for Kubalik to be added.
If not Holloway, mock trades I've seen have the Oilers sending over one of forwards Kailer Yamamoto, Ryan McLeod, Raphael Lavoie, Cooper Marody, or Tyler Benson and/or one of blueliners Dmitri Samorukov, William Lagesson, or former Blackhawk defenseman Slater Koekkoek.
My preference is as the trade is suggested above but would like to see other iterations whether from Blackhawks fans, Oilers fans, or other fans who want to chime in. If Holloway is a non-starter, then I would be open to Lavoie. Maybe Yamamoto or Samorukov. Heck no to Koekkoek.
Of course, I would love to land a young D-man in either Philip Broberg or Evan Bouchard but both are pretty much untouchable unless they're part of a trade for the Oilers to land Jakob Chychrun from the Coyotes or part of another blockbuster deal to obtain an impact player.
Take all of the above for what it's worth and flame away.
What a pass. What a finish. pic.twitter.com/NEp5oyvP7a
— NHL GIFs (@NHLGIFs) January 19, 2020
Roster Updates
Tyler Johnson
Jack Eichel had his artificial disk replacement surgery on Nov. 12. He started skating again on Dec. 2.
— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) December 28, 2021
Tyler Johnson had ADR surgery on Dec. 3. He’s back skating on Dec. 28.
So they’re on roughly the same path. #Blackhawks https://t.co/WiQGT01H9j
Jujhar Khaira
Derek King said he hopes Jujhar Khaira will be ready for action whenever the next game is.
— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) December 28, 2021
Right now, that’s Saturday vs. Nashville. #Blackhawks
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NHL COVID Protocol
Sources: NHL & NHLPA engaged in talks about allowing asymptomatic players to return to play earlier.
— Emily Kaplan (@emilymkaplan) December 28, 2021
The two sides have been in constant communication about protocols, but latest push follows new CDC recommendation shortening isolation periods. NBA has made similar adjustment.
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World Junior Championships
Team USA
Officially, this game will be recorded as a 1-0 win for Switzerland and they'll be awarded three standings points.
— Chris Peters (@chrismpeters) December 28, 2021
After serving his 2-game IIHF WJC suspension, @goicehogs D Michael Krutil is BACK and ready to take on Finland tomorrow.
— Joseph Zakrzewski (@JoeyZRadio) December 28, 2021
Are you watching the #WorldJuniors? https://t.co/2qynT1mVq4
See you on the boards!