It’s time for another round of NHL rumours to start off the week. We’re past the trade deadline, but there is still plenty to discuss as we move to the offseason. The deadline yielded some new faces in new places and today’s look at NHL rumours looks at extending some of these new acquisitions. It seems like these new players are already fitting in well and these players may stay beyond the end of the season. Today’s NHL rumours focus on the Edmonton Oilers and Dallas Stars.
All NHL Rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Edmonton Oilers
Rumour: In a recent edition of 32 Thoughts, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman said that there’s already interest in bringing back Adam Henrique and Sam Carrick for next season. Both players were picked up from the Anaheim Ducks at the trade deadline.
Analysis: Henrique has recorded one point in five games with Edmonton since coming over at the deadline. His production and minutes from his time with the Ducks are down, but the 34-year-old doesn’t need to shoulder the load. He can be used as a depth forward and shore up the middle and bottom six of the Oilers.
Carrick gives the Oilers a bit of toughness the team has been missing. He may not score goals, but Carrick is looking to be a vital piece for Edmonton. The Markham, Ontario native can drop the gloves to spark his team if asked. Carrick isn’t just a fighter or a pest, but he can get the job done on defence. Both Henrique and Carrick can lend a hand in their own zone.
Oilers General Manager Ken Holland recognizes that role players and depth pieces are on team’s wish list if they want a Stanley Cup. The two players are unrestricted free agents at the end of the season. However, both players are wanting to get their name etched onto the Stanley Cup. Henrique and Carrick may have earned a place on the roster beyond this season. Edmonton will usually be up against the cap, but keeping these two could keep them among the top contenders next season.
Dallas Stars
Rumour: The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta stated that Stars would love to bring back Chris Tanev for next season. Tanev is a UFA at the end of the season.
Analysis: Tanev came over from the Calgary Flames at the deadline and has a goal in six games with the team. The addition of the 34-year-old blueliner has helped shore up one of the best defensive groups in the league. This includes Miro Heiskanen, Thomas Harley, Esa Lindell and Nils Lundkvist. Dallas wasn’t concerned about other teams in the Western Conference and the corresponding moves they made. However, the move of Tanev seems to be working out so far. The veteran defender was one of the more coveted targets at the deadline and Dallas has gotten the benefits of picking up Tanev.
Stars General Manager Jim Nill said that he would love to have the Toronto native return beyond this season. Tanev is in the final year of a deal that saw him make $4.5 million. Dallas does have some decisions to make with a number of free agents heading into the offseason. Players like Joe Pavelski, Craig Smith and Matt Duchene are seeking new deals. Ty Dellandrea is a restricted free agent and Wyatt Johnston is one after the 2024-25 season.
Dallas has a solid group and could be a threat to hoist the Stanley Cup. However, there are some offseason questions that the team needs to answer if it wants to stay among the upper echelon of teams after this year.
Main photo by: Charles LeClaire – USA TODAY Sports
