The Avalanche likely one of the teams interested in Gusev
Jim Matheson: Eight to 10 teams have shown interest in Vegas Golden Knights RFA Nikita Gusev.
Can bet that the Colorado Avalanche are one of those teams. They were in on Artemi Panarin and have around $27 million in cap space. The Avs could trade their 2020 first and third-round picks to Vegas who could use the cap space.
Five teams that could be interested in Gusev
Steven Ellis of The Hockey News: Looking at five teams that might be interested in trading for Golden Knights restricted free agent Nikita Gusev.
Montreal Canadiens – Have the cap space and 12 draft picks.
New Jersey Devils – Tons of cap space with two young talented centers to potentially play with – Jack Hughes or Nico Hischier.
Columbus Blue Jackets – The cap space after losing several top free agents. They still have some talented forwards and Gusev could add to the mix.
Ottawa Senators – Have the cap room and could overpay him. Would get top-six minutes.
Edmonton Oilers – Connor McDavid could use a left-winger. The Oilers likely don’t have enough cap space at the moment and would have to move some salary out – Sam Gagner?
Oilers still looking for forwards
Bob Stauffer: Still expect the Edmonton Oilers to bring in one or two more forwards.
Of their prospects, Tyler Benson may be in the best position to make their opening day roster.
Could the Oilers and Wild be a match?
Jim Matheson: If the Edmonton Oilers are still considering trading right winger Jesse Puljujarvi, what about Minnesota Wild center Joe Eriksson-Ek. Both are former first-round picks and Eriksson-Ek could be the Oilers third-line center.
Kings checked in on Puljujarvi
Dennis Bernstein: The Los Angeles Kings have recently kicked tires on Oilers winger Jesse Puljujarvi.
The Oilers are apparently asking to have Milan Lucic‘s contract attached to the deal. The Kings won’t be doing that at his time.