NHL Rumors Rundown: Tkachuk Fallout, Oilers Sign D-Man, Bobrovsky to Toronto? – Hockey Writers – NHL Rumors

In today’s NHL rumor mill, the Ottawa Senators are looking to reshape their roster after Brady Tkachuk’s blockbuster, the Edmonton Oilers have locked up another key piece, and the Toronto Maple Leafs may be looking at another goaltending move, with a big name attached. Finally, with the NHL Draft right around the corner, what are the next big moves?

Ottawa Senators Plan Aggressive Flip for Tkachuk Return

The Ottawa Senators are not expected to retain the draft pick acquired in the Brady Tkachuk trade. Instead, the organization plans to use that money immediately with a major trade or possible offer sheet as soon as July 1.

Elliotte Friedman reports on the 32 Thoughts podcast that the return of multiple top picks was a supportive strategy for finding an impact player. This was the best Ottawa could do when it became clear that Florida was the team Brady wanted to go to (despite having three other teams on his list). The expectation around the league is that Ottawa will pursue NHL-ready talent through the draft.

It has also been reported that the Senators have decided that Tkachuk is unlikely to be re-signed long-term and will be a major distraction for the team. They wanted to move on sooner rather than later and weren’t willing to wait to make this deal, risking it going public sooner rather than later. With Tim Stützle and Jake Sanderson poised to take over the leadership of the team, Ottawa considers itself too far into its competitive window to look at rebuilding.

Jason Robertson in Ottawa Buzz Including Hiccup

Speculation is already building around potential targets, including Dallas’ Jason Robertson and Buffalo forward Zach Benson. However, Robertson could be a tricky fit, with reports suggesting he may not be interested in a long-term extension in Ottawa.

The Stars may be in danger of getting a trade deal, but it would take Robertson wanting to sign it for any action to be taken.

Edmonton Oilers Get Connor Murphy Signed, Now What?

The Edmonton Oilers signed Connor Murphy to a five-year extension for $4.1 million per season. Elliotte Friedman and Ryan Rishaug of TSN both reported that a deal was done, but that’s not the only news coming out of Edmonton.

Mike Babcock’s announcement as head coach is expected to come as soon as Monday, and there is ongoing talk of an imminent trade for the Darnell Nurses.

Maple Leafs Measure Goalie Market Shakeup

The Toronto Maple Leafs have been working on reshaping their roster and it’s not over yet. With many of the top names from early speculation, Friedman reports that the Leafs are exploring several options, including Jordan Binington and Connor Hellebuyck, while exploring the possibility of making a move for Sergei Bobrovsky.

Reports indicate that it wouldn’t be surprising if he became a serious target for Toronto, especially with the uncertainty surrounding his future in Florida.

The Leafs are once again navigating what else to do with their blue line. Brandon Carlo and Morgan Rielly are both pieces that fans can expect to see in motion.

League-Wide Trade and Offer Sheet Buzz Intensifies

Beyond Ottawa, Edmonton, and Toronto, there is a growing sense around the league that this offseason could be unexpectedly aggressive. Friedman noted that offer sheets are being renegotiated more often than in recent years, although it is unclear how many will actually be made.

He also suggests that the reported trade requests that have included Dylan Larkin, Connor Hellebuyck, and by the way, Brady Tkachuk, are just the beginning.

He says, “… nothing feels stable right now.”