In today’s NHL rumors rundown, Brad Marchand said he wants to stay with the Boston Bruins, but reports are they continue to take calls. Meanwhile, several reports now suggest Mitch Marner (and even John Tavares) will test free agency this summer. Are the Edmonton Oilers going to add a goaltender or stick with the tandem they have? Finally, what’s the latest on Evander Kane? Is he going on LTIR or will he return before the season ends?
Marchand Wants to Stay, Bruins Still Taking Calls
When asked about the Boston Bruins, their deadline plans and the latest on Brad Marchand, NHL insider Chris Johnston said on TSN First Up this could be a slower trade deadline for the organization. “I think they’re pretty realistic about where they’re at,” he noted.
Cam Robinson writes, “Marchand is absolute in his stance that he wants to stay in Boston, I’m told Bruins management continues to get calls on him.”
Marchand was asked about the deadline and responded, “You can’t get caught up worrying about it…you need to worry about what you can control, stay in the moment. The team’s always going to do what it feels is best for the group.”
It sounds like the consensus is that the Bruins won’t be buyers. They could try to replace the losses of Hampus Lindholm and Charlie McAvoy to injuries, but Johnston noted, “There’s no trade or external move you’re making that can account for the minutes and responsibilities those guys handle.”
Tavares and Marner to Wait on Extensions, Test Free Agency
According to NHL insider Chris Johnston, don’t expect to hear that either John Tavares or Mitch Marner have signed contract extensions before the March 7 deadline. Johnston appeared on TSN First Up and reported he doesn’t see trades or extensions coming for either player.
Related: Red Wings Trade Deadline Notebook: Rumors, Team Needs, Trade Chips & More
With the news of a rising salary cap and with how far into the season all parties are now, several reports suggest Marner will test free agency. Tavares might ink a new deal, but that could wait until after the season. Darren Dreger appeared on First Up a day earlier and wondered if the Leafs might make one more push to Marner to sign.
Oilers Won’t Add Goalie, Await Evander Kane Update
The Edmonton Oilers have made it clear they will not be seeking a trade for a goaltender ahead of the March 7 trade deadline. According to NHL insider Frank Seravalli, GM Stan Bowman said the team is prepared to move ahead with the current tandem and is instead focused on resolving the uncertainty surrounding Evander Kane’s availability.
On The Daily Faceoff podcast, Seravalli quoted Bowman when he noted, “He said point blank, ‘Don’t need to add a goalie.’” The Oilers will ride with Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard and any rumors about someone like John Gibson can be put to bed.
One thing Bowman did emphasize was that the Oilers are looking for clarification on the status of forward Evander Kane. He remains a key factor in the Oilers’ deadline plans.
The team hopes to have a clearer answer on his health by March 1. Interestingly, it’s the same date that his modified no-trade clause comes into effect. If the Oilers are able to place Kane on long-term injured reserve (LTIR), it dramatically changes what the team can do at the deadline. “If they don’t have Kane’s money to spend, the only way they’re really adding a $1 million-plus player is to move somebody off this team,” he said.
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