Latest news with #Oilers
New York Times
5 hours ago
- Sport
- New York Times
McTavish an offer sheet candidate, Canes should let Ehlers cook: NHL offseason notebook
The threat of an offer sheet didn't carry much weight in recent years, until last summer. Aside from some sparks between the Canadiens and Hurricanes, first over Sebastian Aho (whose offer sheet was matched by Carolina) and then Jesperi Kotkanemi (who left Montreal for Carolina), there hasn't been much traction on that front in the last 10 years. Advertisement And then the Blues disrupted the norm last summer, with not one but two offer sheets targeting the Oilers. Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg emerged as key players in St. Louis and helped fuel their turnaround. Their success was a reminder of the power of an offer sheet. It's a mechanism that can give a team with draft capital and cap space a competitive advantage if general managers are willing to rattle their opponents. Many wondered if the Blues would inspire a new trend and willingness to shake up the restricted free agent class. Whether it was the threat of an offer sheet or general managers wanting a better salary cap picture ahead of free agency, teams got to work earlier on RFA extensions this summer. The Maple Leafs locked up Matthew Knies early. Edmonton extended Evan Bouchard, and the Rangers re-signed Will Cuylle. JJ Peterka, Noah Dobson, and K'Andre Miller have all been traded and extended by their respective new teams. And then more names, including Lukas Dostal, Bowen Byram, and Gabriel Vilardi, came off the board when players (and teams) elected for arbitration. Before general managers start daydreaming early about a stacked 2026 class of RFAs, there are still a few offer sheet-eligible players worth keeping an eye on this summer. That list starts with Mason McTavish. Unlike Edmonton last summer, the Ducks have a ton of cap space at their disposal to easily match any offer thrown McTavish's way. So a mid-tier deal won't fly. An offer has to have some oomph behind it — at least to a tune of a $7.02 million cap hit — to stump Anaheim. Via Puckpedia The Ducks don't need the draft pick compensation associated with the higher tiers. Their pipeline is stocked, and eventually Anaheim needs to turn those picks and young up-and-comers into actual NHLers to turn the corner. That's why keeping McTavish makes the most sense, especially after moving on from Trevor Zegras. But on the flip side, the Ducks may not want to make a commitment of that magnitude just yet. McTavish hasn't established himself as a true top-six center yet, and some of his comps, like Max Comtois, Max Domi, and Casey Mittelstadt, add some question marks on just how much substance there is in his game. As much as the Ducks have short- and long-term financial flexibility, management still may not want to clog up the books too early with a hefty McTavish extension. Anyone willing to roll the dice on McTavish has to see a little Dylan Strome in him — a late-bloomer who needs the right opportunity. For some eligible teams, like the Canadiens, Bruins, Flames, and Red Wings, it's worth throwing a dart this summer. At worst, it rattles Pat Verbeek in Anaheim, who easily matches an offer. At best, it lands a team a 22-year-old center who could thrive in a new environment. Advertisement Speaking of unsigned RFAs, there's Luke Hughes in New Jersey. Unlike McTavish, he isn't offer sheet eligible, so there isn't that same pressure on the Devils to get a deal done sooner rather than later. But his extension could have a domino effect on the Devils' roster, depending on what he signs for. Evolving-Hockey projects a six-year deal worth $7.52 million a year. It's a contract that projects to age well, if he follows the path of comps Seth Jones and Noah Hanifin (and not Tyson Barrie or Dmitry Kulikov). A contract of that value could lead to some subtractions to balance the books. The easy answer is flipping the last two years of Ondrej Palat's contract. But management could consider a bolder change on the blue line, too. If Seamus Casey or Simon Nemec look ready for a full-time NHL role, their entry-level contracts would help offset Hughes' extension. But someone would have to step out of the starting six. That's why Dougie Hamilton's name has surfaced this summer; as of July 1, he officially has a modified no-trade clause (instead of a full NMC), which could help facilitate a change. Hughes proved in Hamilton's absence that he could quarterback the top power play unit and be a two-way difference in key minutes. It just depends on whether there is a market for the last three years of Hamilton's contract. A potential Hamilton trade is easier said than done because the defense market has been in a bit of a standstill, hinging on Bowen Byram. The Sabres were prepared to match any offer sheets for Byram, but took away that option after filing for arbitration. Then on Monday night, Buffalo extended the RFA for two years, at $6.25 million a year.. Evolving-Hockey projected a longer-term extension — an eight-year deal worth almost $8 million a year on average. While a contract of that length could have opened the door to long-term savings, it was a risky play. As is, a $6.25 million cap hit is pricey relative to two-year projections and his market value. Byram showed in Colorado that he can crush third pair minutes. In Buffalo, he looks like somewhat of a passenger in a top-four capacity. While he isn't expected to be the driver of a pair with Rasmus Dahlin, his struggles away from the Sabres' number one sparked some concern. Maybe he just looked that exposed due to who he paired up with, otherwise. Until there is clarity on his true ability, the team can't afford to potentially overpay Byram, not with lefties Dahlin and Owen Power already locked up long-term. A short-term contract lets Byram show exactly what he is capable of — and whether he can follow the path of comps like Brandon Montour, Ryan Pulock, and Travis Sanheim, or if he is destined to be the next Jamie McBain or Zach Bogosian. But it's far from a perfect solution for either side because Byram's value could tank over the next two years. The Sabres could also lose him for nothing, since this contract walks him to unrestricted free agency. So while this contract can quiet some trade buzz, it won't outright silence it. Because if the Sabres decide he isn't a long-term fit, management is officially on the clock to find a trade partner to ensure he doesn't leave for nothing. The team could take a more aggressive approach and use this contract as cost certainty for interested teams. A potential match like the Blues, who have an opening after waiving Nick Leddy, no longer has to worry about acquiring Byram and signing him for maximum value this summer. Advertisement After trading Cody Ceci last year at the deadline, trading Henry Thrun, and buying out Marc-Edouard Vlasic, the Sharks needed two things: bodies on the backend and more salary to reach the cap floor. Two free agent signings (Dmitry Orlov, John Klingberg) and a waiver claim (Leddy) brought in three NHL-caliber defensemen and $12.5 million in cap space. With those additions and Shakir Mukhamadullin pushing for a mainstay role at the NHL level, the Sharks can consider a Mario Ferraro trade. Ferraro has a year left on his contract and could also be packaged as a deadline rental in March. But teams would likely jump at the chance to add a 26-year-old with a $3.25 million cap hit, especially after defensive prices spiked this summer. That cap hit comes in clutch for an acquiring team and San Jose; the Sharks should be able to save their last retention slot for the deadline to get maximum value on one of those newly-added veteran defensemen. The Rangers could still use help on the left behind free agent signing Vladislav Gavrikov. If Byram is off the trade block, the Blues should be in the market for a lefty, too. The Jets may want a third-pair upgrade. The Red Wings' depth is far from perfect. The demand should be there, as long as teams are willing to gamble on a Ferraro glow-up outside of a challenging environment in San Jose, similar to Hampus Lindholm when he left Anaheim for Boston. As much demand as there could be for a lefty like Ferraro, the right side is a coveted position. That could benefit the Devils if Hamilton officially goes on the trade block and the Penguins, who could flip the last two years of Erik Karlsson's contract. But Rasmus Andersson doesn't come with that same baggage, since he only takes up $4.55 million on the cap for another year. As the offseason market has evolved, the number of landing spots for Andersson has dwindled. But there are still teams seeking right-handed reinforcements. If the Stars or Lightning can clear space, Andersson could be a solid fit for either team. The Red Wings need a lot more help on the right than on the left. The Bruins' depth is still suspect. But the Golden Knights still look like the strongest fit, considering the Alex Pietrangelo situation and Andersson's chemistry with Noah Hanifin. Add in Andersson's willingness to extend there, which can help juice the Flames return, and it could all click — if Vegas can clear space for this year, and beyond. After Andersson's current contract expires, he is in for a raise. Evolving-Hockey projects something in the $8 million range. Even if the Golden Knights can get him to something more team-friendly, it will still take some maneuvering for Vegas, as it coincides with Jack Eichel and Pavel Dorofeyev also needing new deals. Advertisement The Penguins recently absorbed Matt Dumba's cap hit from Dallas and can afford to take on more. So can the Blackhawks, Flames, Blue Jackets, and Kraken. The Ducks and Sharks outright need to add more salary. There should be a handful of buyers with space, because teams outside of the playoff picture were a bit less active in free agency this year. So the Golden Knights, and other contenders looking to shed contracts, should be able to move salary out if necessary. The goalie market seriously underwhelmed this summer, which added some intrigue to a potential trade candidate in Arturs Silovs. Between his waiver-exemption ending and the Canucks extending Thatcher Demko a year early, it seemed like his time in the organization was coming to an end. Over the last couple of seasons, he put in the work to raise his stock, between his experience at the NHL level and in the 2024 playoffs and his recent MVP honors after winning the Calder Cup with Abbotsford. The Penguins, before acquiring Silovs on Sunday, didn't need a third goalie. Joel Blomqvist looks poised to play more, plus Tristan Jarry has another three years on his contract. With Silovs, Pittsburgh has a less-than-desirable three-goalie situation to navigate — unless another skate is about to drop. Pittsburgh has all three salary retention slots open, so management can afford to commit one to Jarry for the next three years in the right trade. The problem is that he is incredibly streaky, so that multi-year commitment could still be dicey. Just take his swing from saving 12.4 goals above expected in 51 games in 2023-24, to last year's lows that saw him spending time in the AHL. And he doesn't have much pedigree, either. So while the Oilers seem like an obvious target considering their unstable crease, Jarry might only add to that volatility. The Hurricanes' system is both a blessing and a curse, in some ways. Few teams have managed to turn a playing style into an outright identity and maintain it despite roster turnover. But sometimes, that system can also bite the Canes when there isn't a willingness to depart from it. As much as the Canes have a knack for maximizing players within their system, not everyone fits perfectly. Mikko Rantanen didn't. Neither did Marty Necas. So when those situations arise, the question is whether the player should change their game to blend in more or if the coaches should let those players color outside the lines. The answer can be somewhere in the middle, as long as it doesn't suppress what someone like Nikolaj Ehlers can bring to the lineup. Do your thing, Ehlers 👀 📺: Jets vs. Panthers on SNW📲: Stream on Sportsnet+ — Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) November 17, 2024 Ehlers is a dynamic and creative forward who can electrify a team's offense. It's exactly what a team like the Hurricanes needs, around staples like Sebastian Aho, Seth Jarvis, and Logan Stankoven, who are perfect stylistic fits. But Ehlers' game does carry some risk, which could be why he was rarely deployed like a true top-line talent in Winnipeg. So will Rod Brind'Amour and the Canes' staff embrace all that Ehlers brings, and allow him to go against the grain from the standard that's been set? It could be the key to adding some dimension to Carolina's quintessential style. Data via Evolving-Hockey, HockeyViz, HockeyStatCards, All Three Zones, TheStanleyCap, and Natural Stat Trick. This story relies on shot-based metrics; here is a primer on these numbers. (Top photo of Mason McTavish: Gary A. Vasquez / Imagn Images)
Time of India
7 hours ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Edmonton Oilers face crucial offseason with Connor McDavid extension and Kris Knoblauch decision pending
McDavid's contract and Knoblauch's future put Oilers in high-stakes offseason (Image via: Getty Images) The Edmonton Oilers have turned into perennial Stanley Cup contenders, reaching the Final in back-to-back seasons (2023–24 and 2024–25). But with head coach Kris Knoblauch entering the final year of his contract and superstar Connor McDavid approaching free agency, the franchise is entering one of its most pivotal offseasons in recent memory. Knoblauch's contract status sparks questions before 2025–26 season Kris Knoblauch took over as Oilers head coach in 2023 and has since transformed the team into a powerhouse in the Western Conference. With two straight Stanley Cup Final appearances under his belt, his leadership has proven instrumental. But as his original three-year contract enters its final season, the lack of a new deal is drawing increased attention. Knoblauch recently addressed his contract situation in a press conference on July 14, revealing there have been only 'slight talks' about an extension. Oilers GM Stan Bowman, however, made it clear he wants to keep the coach in Edmonton. 'I think Kris has done a fantastic job,' Bowman said. 'We've got a lot of things to sort through, but I expect we'll get to that.' RAW | Kris Knoblauch 07.14.25 Knoblauch emphasized that his current focus remains on staffing and roster decisions, including the search for a new goalie coach. Still, he expressed his desire for long-term stability, indicating he'd like to stay in Edmonton. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Audiologists Furious About New $99 Device That Makes Hearing Crystal Clear Again risinghealthtrends Learn More Undo With training camp approaching, both fans and analysts expect extension talks to resume soon. All eyes on Connor McDavid's future in Edmonton While Knoblauch's future is a topic of discussion, the bigger storyline is Connor McDavid's looming free agency. The 28-year-old captain has one year left on his eight-year, $100 million contract, which carries a $12.5 million AAV. If not re-signed before July 1, 2026, he will become an unrestricted free agent, and speculation about his next move is already heating up. Oilers focus on locking in McDavid amid contract uncertainty Stan Bowman has made it clear that re-signing McDavid is the franchise's top priority. 'Connor's the most important player in the League… and our No. 1 priority,' he said. McDavid, however, remains non-committal for now, stating he'll take time to regroup and consult with his agent and family. Also Read: Mitch Marner, Auston Matthews, and Leon Draisaitl's fiancée Celeste Desjardins spotted jamming to Justin Bieber's surprise album 'Swag' McDavid's 2024–25 season was another masterclass, with 100 points in 67 games and a dominant postseason. Oilers fans are holding their breath, hoping both their head coach and franchise cornerstone commit to the team's long-term future. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Edmonton Journal
7 hours ago
- Politics
- Edmonton Journal
Rob Breakenridge: Premier's tax collecting scheme should have ended with Fair Deal panel
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announces the members of the Alberta Next panel at Heritage Park in Calgary. Photo by Gavin Young / Postmedia Network This week marks the first of what will be 10 in-person town halls over the next few months for the new Alberta Next panel. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by David Staples, Keith Gerein and others, Oilers news from Cult of Hockey, Ask EJ Anything features, the Noon News Roundup and Under the Dome newsletters. Unlimited online access to Edmonton Journal and 15 news sites with one account. Edmonton Journal ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by David Staples, Keith Gerein and others, Oilers news from Cult of Hockey, Ask EJ Anything features, the Noon News Roundup and Under the Dome newsletters. Unlimited online access to Edmonton Journal and 15 news sites with one account. Edmonton Journal ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors It's fair to wonder whether we're simply mirroring and replicating what was done under the previous Fair Deal panel, although one key difference may be in what comes after the new panel's work — the premier seems keen on this endeavour spawning numerous referendum questions. Hopefully, though, we won't banish the Fair Deal panel completely from our memory. It did help put some bad ideas to rest. Get the latest headlines, breaking news and columns. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again The premier appears to view this exercise as a means to advance certain issues in a way that the Fair Deal panel couldn't or wouldn't. That panel, for example, recommended creating both an Alberta pension plan and a provincial police force. Neither of those changes has happened, but the Alberta Next panel seems poised to take up the mantle. But there was a different conclusion on the question of a separate Alberta tax collection agency. The Fair Deal panel recommended 'no changes to tax collection in Alberta,' noting that such a change 'would create extra costs, duplicate collection efforts and significantly increase red tape.' As it stands now, the Canada Revenue Agency collects both federal and provincial taxes in Alberta — through a single tax form — and remits the provincial amount back to Alberta. That amount is based on what's assessed, so the province doesn't have to worry about chasing down uncollected taxes. This is an agreement that benefits Alberta very well. Quebec is the one province that has its own tax collection agency. The fact that Quebec does it, and the fact that Alberta 'relies' on Ottawa for something, is enough to keep this idea alive. Last week, the premier posted a video that posed the question of whether Alberta should take over the collection of personal income taxes. The video did concede some of the drawbacks of the idea but put more emphasis on the supposed benefits. This aligns with the premier's own previously expressed support for this idea. The startup costs of an Alberta revenue agency could run into the billions, and the annual operating cost would be several hundreds of millions of dollars. Yet, the premier's video casts this as a potential benefit, namely the 'thousands of good, high-paying jobs' it would create. Yes, ramping up government spending by billions of dollars and ballooning the public sector would create more jobs, but it's disconcerting to hear an ostensibly conservative government advocating such an approach.
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Connor McDavid's Personal Post About His Wife Gets Bombarded with Hockey Comments
Connor McDavid's Personal Post About His Wife Gets Bombarded with Hockey Comments originally appeared on Athlon Sports. As uncertainty surrounds Connor McDavid's long-term future with the Edmonton Oilers, the team captain made it clear on Thursday that he has turned his NHL switch off to decompress and enjoy time with his family. Advertisement In a rare personal post shared on his Instagram account, McDavid wished his wife, Lauren, and their dog, Lenny, a happy birthday with a straight-to-the-point message. "Happy Birthday Laur! You too Lenny, love you both so much," McDavid wrote on Instagram, including a set of photos featuring the couple and their Bernedoodle. Lauren, meanwhile, also joined in the celebration, sharing her own Instagram story dedicated to Lenny. "Most importantly, happy birthday to our baby boy Lenny @lenardthebernedoodle," she wrote alongside a collage of the dog with McDavid and the couple. She followed that up with another photo of her and her husband on a golf course, with a superimposed heart next to the Oilers forward. Advertisement The post served as a reminder of Connor McDavid's off-ice priorities, just days after he told reporters he would weigh his family's interests heavily when deciding his future. "Ultimately, still need to do what's best for me and my family," McDavid said during his end-of-season media availability. Lauren Kyle McDavid's Instagram story (@laurenkyle1) Hockey fans flocked to McDavid's post on Instagram, and, as expected, had quite a few thoughts to share with the Oilers superstar — only not quite related to his birthday wishes. "Poor guy make a post about his wife and dog and yall bombard him with hockey comments 😭 let him live," one user posted, noting the development. Advertisement "Please re-sign, McDavid. Job's not finished," another one said. "Toronto has a home for you," a supposed Maple Leafs fan chimed in. "YOU are a Chicago Blackhawk," another person said. "Please stay in Edmonton and win us a cup," an Oilers fan claimed. "We almost won Connor thank you for you effort and hope to see you be an oiler for life," an account posted. "Please don't leave Edmonton 🥺" a concerned Oilers fan said. "We all love ur play and hope u stay in Edmonton," another person doubled down on those hopes. Related: Oilers Reportedly Make First Move in Connor McDavid Contract Extension Talks Related: Elliotte Friedman's Honest Take on Connor McDavid's Future with Oilers This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 27, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Oilers GM Makes Statement on Imminent Roster Moves
Oilers GM Makes Statement on Imminent Roster Moves originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Edmonton Oilers are coming off a second consecutive Stanley Cup Final loss, once again to the Florida Panthers. Advertisement On Friday, during his last media availability of the season, Oilers' general manager Stan Bowman made it clear the roster will not stay intact heading into next season. At the team's year-end press conference, Bowman confirmed the organization is ready to make changes, even if those won't completely change the face of the team. 'We're not going to bring the same group back,' Bowman said. 'How many is tough to say right now… so that work will play out over the next 10 days, to find out what other teams are looking to do, what players we want to change out.' Rather than a full rebuild, Bowman indicated a more strategic retooling to try and keep chasing the ever-elusive Stanley Cup as the Oilers will be trying to reach the finals for the third straight year in 2026. Advertisement 'We're not going to have nine or ten new players, but I do think we are going to have some changes,' Bowman said. 'The area with the least amount of change is going to be our defence. Up front, we need some different players.' Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner (74) and center Connor McDavid (97) celebrate a win after defeating the Florida Panthers in Game 6 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Belski-Imagn Images The focus will be on bolstering the forward depth and re-evaluating the goaltending, although nothing is set in stone yet. 'We'll have to look at, probably more likely, the forwards and the goalies are the ones we're going to evaluate the most,' Bowman said. 'We're going to examine not just our goalies, but our whole team, and see if there's a way to be better prepared next season.' Advertisement The Oilers enter the offseason with just $11.9 million in cap space, the eighth-lowest figure across the NHL. Related: P.K. Subban Urges Oilers' Connor McDavid to Weigh Next Move Related: Connor McDavid Makes Clear Statement About Oilers After Stanley Cup Loss This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 21, 2025, where it first appeared.
