In today’s NHL rumors rundown, the Edmonton Oilers found out how badly Connor McDavid is hurt. Meanwhile, Rasmus Andersson has decided to appeal his suspension. Are the New York Rangers bowing out of the running for Patrick Kane? Finally, how long will Andre Burakovsky be out for the Seattle Kraken?
McDavid Out 1-2 Weeks for Oilers
The Edmonton Oilers have confirmed that Connor McDavid will be sidelined due to an upper-body injury sustained during the recent game against the Jets. In a social media update, the team stated, “Connor McDavid suffered an upper body injury during last night’s game vs. the Jets & is expected to be out of the #Oilers lineup for one to two weeks.”
This setback comes just before the highly anticipated Heritage Classic game against the Calgary Flames scheduled for Sunday. While McDavid’s absence is a blow to the Oilers, the news of a relatively short recovery period is a relief. A prolonged injury could have seriously impacted the team’s playoff aspirations. With McDavid’s injury not being long-term, the Oilers are currently operating with the minimum required roster of 18 skaters and two goaltenders, facing limitations in cap space that prevent them from calling up players from the minors, as noted by Daniel Nugent-Bowman of The Athletic.
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The Oilers will have to run an 11/7 lineup until McDavid returns, unless there’s a trade or some other kind of activity. The Oilers won’t receive any salary-cap relief for McDavid’s absence since he hasn’t been placed on long-term injured reserve, a status that mandates missing 10 games and 24 days. With the team already at their salary cap limit, they’re unable to summon players from the minor leagues due to these financial constraints.
Rasmus Andersson Appealing Suspension
Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson has opted to challenge his four-game suspension, a result of his hit on Columbus Blue Jackets’ Patrik Laine in the final moments of their recent match. The Flames are arguing that the punishment is excessively severe. However, rumors are their main worry revolves around the possibility of Andersson missing the upcoming Heritage Classic game if the suspension is not overturned.
As per Pierre LeBrun, Andersson’s hearing with commissioner Gary Bettman is slated for sometime today.
Rangers Not Interested in Patrick Kane Reunion?
According to Larry Brooks of the New York Post, it’s unlikely that the Rangers will re-sign Patrick Kane, the 34-year-old free-agent winger, once he’s prepared to return to action. Kane is currently recovering from a hip resurfacing procedure he underwent in the offseason and is anticipated to start entertaining offers from interested teams in early November.
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The Rangers acquired Kane from the Chicago Blackhawks just before last season’s trade deadline, despite his hip ailment not being fully resolved at the time. Brooks asserts that this experience left a sour impression on everyone involved, despite their good intentions. He says that Kane doesn’t feel like he owes an obligation to the Rangers to give it one more run.
Brooks also notes that bringing in Kane would almost certainly result in reduced ice time and a top-six role for Alexis Lafreniere. Additionally, one of the younger players, whether it’s Lafreniere or Kaapo Kakko, would lose power play opportunities.
Brooks mentioned a potential connection with the Panthers and even hinted at Kane’s interest in the Maple Leafs. However, considering Toronto’s salary cap constraints, he questions if that’s a viable option for the team.
Burakovsky to Miss 6-8 Weeks for Kraken
Geoff Baker of The Seattle Times has revealed that winger Andre Burakovsky will be sidelined for the next six to eight weeks due to an upper-body injury sustained during last night’s game against the Rangers. Burakovsky left the game after a hit from Jacob Trouba, having played only 6 minutes and 5 seconds.
Despite being a key player for the Kraken and finishing second in points per game behind Jared McCann last season, the 28-year-old’s playoff hopes were dashed due to a torn groin that kept him out during the crucial stretch of the season.
Baker writes:
Francis had yet to speak with coach Dave Hakstol about who the Kraken will call up from the AHL to fill Burakovsky’s roster spot. The Kraken already had AHL forward Devin Shore up as a reserve after Brandon Tanev was injured and Francis said he’ll now likely slide into the lineup on Tuesday against Detroit. The most likely scenario would see Shore inserted on the fourth line while Tye Kartye bumps up as a winger to the third line in Burakovsky’s place.
source: ‘Kraken forward Andre Burakovsky out 6-8 weeks with upper-body injury’ – Geoff Baker – Seattle Times – 10/22/2023