In today’s NHL rumors rundown, the Boston Bruins are not happy with Team USA and the way Charlie McAvoy’s injury was handled. Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Penguins are trying to get younger, and several names are in the rumor mill. Will Matt Savoie get a fair look with the Edmonton Oilers? Finally, Seth Jones is working with the Chicago Blackhawks to try and facilitate a trade.
Bruins Upset with Team USA Over McAvoy Infection
NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reports that there is some unhappiness by Boston Bruins GM Don Sweeney (GM of the team and Team Canada) over the way Team USA (led by the Minnesota Wild medical staff) handled Charlie McAvoy’s injury. What is believed to be either a careless approach to treating the injury or a mistake, Friedman noted, “The Bruins were extremely unhappy with the way this was handled, and they felt McAvoy didn’t get the proper care.”
The big giveaway was apparently the Bruins’ decision to announce the injury and its specifics. Typically, that would be done by Team USA and would be limited to an “upper body” or “lower body” description. The Bruins made a full statement about what happened, which is rare. The belief is that Sweeney wanted everyone to know Team USA’s medical staff messed up.
It is also being said that Sweeney is pushing for independent medical teams and future international events to avoid any potential conflict of interest.
Penguins Exploring Trade Options Amid Youth Movement
Pittsburgh Penguins GM Kyle Dubas remains focused on adding younger players and draft picks to his roster ahead of the NHL trade deadline. According to Matt Vensel of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette writes:
Kyle Dubas and the Penguins have already cashed in their most obvious trade chips in Marcus Pettersson and Drew O’Connor. But Dubas is likely not done dealing, with the general manager exploring several pathways to acquire more young players and draft picks.
source – ‘From The Point: Putting every Penguins player into trade buckets ahead of NHL trade deadline’ – Matt Vensel – Pittsburgh Post Gazette – 02/16/2025
Specifically, Vensel notes that Tristan Jarry or Ryan Graves might be untradeable due to their contracts but that Matt Grzelcyk could be moved if the team receives a competitive offer. Forward Anthony Beauvillier, a pending UFA, could attract interest, while bottom-six options like Noel Acciari and Blake Lizotte might also be in play.
Related: NHL Rumors: Hughes, Team USA, McAvoy, Bruins, 4 Nations
Rickard Rakell stands out as Pittsburgh’s top trade chip, with the team potentially willing to move him for a first-round pick. He also notes that While Michael Bunting isn’t being actively shopped, a strong offer could change that. As for the status of Kris Letang, Bryan Rust, and Erik Karlsson, these are deals that feel more likely in the offseason.
Matt Savoie to Get Fair Shake with the Edmonton Oilers
The Oilers called up Derek Ryan and Matt Savoie while the 4 Nations break was happening and the tournament ends. Reports are that Savoie could remain with the team and go on their upcoming road trip. The Oilers would like to see what he can do before making their final decisions ahead of the deadline. He is the organization’s clear No.1 prospect.
“It’s really exciting to see where I could potentially play. It just brings more excitement to my eyes and makes me continue to push myself as hard as I can to get to the next level and be a contributor here,” said Savoie. Ryan Holt, a broadcaster for the Bakersfield Condors, added, “He’s had the best season of all the 20-year-olds that have come through this Oilers system. We’ll see if Matt Savoie sticks up with the Oilers full time, but he’s done everything they’ve asked of him”.
Seth Jones and Blackhawks Trying to Get Him Traded
Chicago Sun-Times reporter Ben Pope shared this week that Seth Jones is in talks with the Chicago Blackhawks about a possible trade. Both sides believe it’s best to let him move on if there is a team out there willing to trade for him.
The 30-year-old defenseman hasn’t formally asked to be moved, but all sides are working to try and make something happen, which will be easier said than done based on his hefty contract.
“If it happens, it happens. Obviously, while I’m here with the Blackhawks, they have my full effort (and) full attention to this team to try to get this team better.”
source – ‘Seth Jones talking with Blackhawks about trade possibility: ‘I would like to give myself a chance to win’ – Ben Pope- Chicago Sun Times – 02/19/2025
Jones is in the third season of an eight-year contract with an average annual value of $9.5 million.