Oilers need to fill some holes
Jim Matheson: The Edmonton Oilers are still looking to find a left winger to play with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and James Neal, a third line center and a right-handed defenseman to play with defenseman Oskar Klefbom.
Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: The Oilers still have some questions on their blue line.
They also don’t really have a third-line center. Gaetan Haas has had a lukewarn start and could start the season in the AHL. Riley Sheahan may slot in on the third line but he’s better suited on the fourth. Colby Cave may not have enough offense. Ryan McLeod maybe two years away from being NHL ready.
Some teams are on the lookout for defensemen
Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic: So we all know that Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Justin Faulk is available. Buffalo Sabres are listening to trade offers on defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen.
The Columbus Blue Jackets are deep on the blue line and one of Ryan Murray, David Savard, Markus Nutivaara, Scott Harrington, Dean Kukan, Adam Clendening, Vladislav Gavrikov, Gabriel Carlsson could be moved. Murray and Savard may get the most interest.
A source is saying the Florida Panthers could be interested in acquiring a shutdown, left-handed defenseman, though it may not be a big rush for them.
With the potential loss of Dustin Byfulgien, the Winnipeg Jets could be on the lookout for Dman.
Sources are saying the Anaheim Ducks have looked at Sabres Ristolainen. The asking price for Ristolainen is high, and it should be.
An offer sheet tempting for the Blue Jackets?
Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic: There are some who think that Columbus Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen could be tempted to send an offer sheet to Colorado Avalanche RFA forward Mikko Rantanen.
The Avalanche have a lot of salary cap space and could easily match it. It may be a losing proposition for the Blue Jackets.
If you are going to try to offer sheet someone, look at a team who has salary cap issues – the Winnipeg Jets, Calgary Flames or Tampa Bay Lightning.
A source on Thursday said that the Lightning and Brayden Point, as well as the Flames and Matthew Tkachuk are far apart.