Oilers, Senators, Avalanche, Jets, Stars, Blues

In today’s NHL rumors rundown, the Edmonton Oilers are on the verge of signing Jay Woodcroft to a three-year coaching extension, the Colorado Avalanche are making Valeri Nichushkin a priority this summer and Connor Brown of the Ottawa Senators is likely to test free agency. What’s the latest on the coaching carousel and have the Dallas Stars gotten anywhere with John Klingberg?

Oilers Getting Deal Done With Woodcroft

According to Bob Stauffer of Oilers Now and Kevin Weekes of ESPN, the Oilers have either finalized a deal with interim head coach Jay Woodcroft or are about to. The deal is expected to be for three years but Weekes says the situation is still developing and fluid.

Once the Oilers announce the Woodcroft deal it is expected an extension for associate coach Dave Manson will be made official shortly thereafter.

Avalanche Making Nichushkin a Priority

According to Hockey Night in Canada insider Elliotte Friedman, the Colorado Avalanche have made forward Valeri Nichushkin a priority this summer. Despite the fact that Nichushkin has played so well that he’s becoming increasingly expensive in free agency, the Avalanche have reached out to let him know they’d like to keep him with the club.

One thing the Avalanche believe is working to their advantage is the fact that Nichushkin came from a team in Dallas where he was not happy and didn’t perform well. He is happy in Colorado and has found a fit. That could lean him towards re-signing with the Avs over another team where the chemistry won’t be as strong.

Connor Brown To Test Free Agency

Friedman also notes that Connor Brown of the Ottawa Senators is considering testing free agency. The last time he had an opportunity to see what he was worth on the open market he signed one year prior to becoming a free agent. This year he’d like to test the waters. This has led to speculation that the Senators might explore the idea of a trade so that…