Oilers likely in a holding pattern for now
Kurt Leavins: Edmonton Oilers GM Ken Holland was on Bob Stauffer’s 630 CHED show yesterday. From what Holland was saying, it’s sounding like they intend to keep the same roster for the next couple of months and then possibly make a significant addition if they are still in a solid position.
Kreider not thinking about his contract situation
Larry Brooks of the New York Post: New York Rangers forward Chris Kreider is a pending unrestricted free agent. Speculation has him as a potential trade deadline rental player.
When asked, Kreider said he hasn’t thought about it at all.
“I don’t think about my contract status. Not at all. I’m serious.
“I’ve been around long enough to understand that there is a hockey component to this and there is a business component to this and there is no value in combining them. I understand the interest and the question, but I don’t think it’s useful to talk about it.”
Both the Rangers and Kreider’s camp haven’t said much about his future. He’ll be 29-years old when he signs his next contract.
Last season the Rangers traded away then pending free agents Mats Zuccarello and Kevin Hayes.
Do the Bruins have a Krug replacement?
Joe Haggerty of NBC Sports Boston: Boston Bruins defenseman Matt Grzelcyk really stepped up in the five games that Torey Krug missed with an upper-body injury.
Though he’s not in the same caliber is Krug, it does give them something to think about since Krug is a pending UFA.
Krug will be looking for $7 million-plus. Recently signed long-term extensions for defensemen include – Thomas Chabot (eight years, $64 million), Roman Josi (eight years, $72.4 million) and Jared Spurgeon (seven years, $53 million).
Krug’s camp and the Bruins had talked extension before the season, but there was no indication that they were close to a deal.
Could Grzelcyk continue to step up if the Bruins move on from Krug? Could the Bruins consider moving Krug in-season if they can get a big return for him?