In right this moment’s NHL rumors rundown, the Toronto Maple Leafs didn’t have many takers in terms of Timothy Liljegren. The Leafs obtained what they might from a restricted market they usually’ve obtained different strikes coming. In the meantime, the Utah Hockey Membership wished Ivan Provorov out of Columbus however settled for Olli Maatta out of Detroit. Lastly, Connor McDavid is already again on the ice for the Edmonton Oilers, which is wonderful contemplating the information yesterday was that he is perhaps out for as many as three weeks.
Liljegren Commerce Market Was Virtually Non-Existent
TSN’s Pierre LeBrun is reporting that:
“I do know lots of people who have a look at this deal and say ‘Actually, that’s it?’. He added, “The fact is, from speaking to folks across the league, the Leafs spoke to virtually each workforce within the NHL all through the offseason looking for a spot for Timothy Liljegren. This isn’t one thing that developed in coaching camp or early this yr. This was one thing they’ve been engaged on for some time.”
LeBrun stated that the dearth of discovering a spot for Liljegren performed into why the Leafs signed him to a two-year contract this summer season. As an alternative of going to arbitration and risking a $4 million contract, the workforce figured in the event that they locked him right into a extra reasonably priced contract and paid him a heavy signing bonus, extra groups is perhaps open to buying and selling for him in-season. That didn’t actually pan out as they’d hoped, with solely the San Jose Sharks prepared to make the deal now. “Even in-season, this was a fairly luke heat market. There simply wasn’t plenty of curiosity,” stated LeBrun.
The Maple Leafs have been a bit underneath the gun in needing to do one thing as Jani Hakanpaa is getting nearer to a return. “They needed to kind of act right here.” Liljegren is comfortable as a result of he’ll get an opportunity to play in San Jose. The Sharks have been searching for a right-shot defenseman they usually obtained that merchandise checked off of their checklist.
LeBrun additionally says the Leafs may look to flip Matt Benning and if they will’t he’ll be a depth piece.
Utah Wished Provorov, Settled on Maatta
LeBrun stated that the Utah Hockey Membership settled on Olli Maatta in a commerce as their ultimate goal was a pending UFA they usually have been Ivan Provorov from the Columbus Blue Jackets. They weren’t out there for Liljegren due to his contract standing. The Blue Jackets are enjoying higher than most anticipated they usually aren’t prepared to start out promoting off elements. Provorov was not on the desk by way of a commerce.
Utah didn’t wish to add an costly defenseman underneath contract however they wanted to do one thing given the damage scenario there. Maatta is anticipated to bridge the hole till John Marino is again.
McDavid Already Skating in Edmonton
Tom Gazzolla of Edmonton Sports activities Discuss famous on Thursday: “Some early optimistic indicators on the Connor McDavid damage entrance. McDavid was on the ice for a skate this morning testing out his ankle at Rogers Place (DCA attributable to UFC & Arkells live performance this weekend on foremost rink).”
It was reported on Wednesday by the Oilers that McDavid was anticipated to be ou two to 3 weeks with a foot damage. McDavid being again on the ice doesn’t essentially imply an early return, but when he’s already staking and placing weight on his unhealthy foot, that’s nice information for the Oilers who should discover a approach to win video games with out him within the lineup.
Edmonton performs Nashville tonight of their remaining sport of this present highway journey.
