In today’s NHL rumors rundown, the Edmonton Oilers were once considered favorites to trade for goaltender Jake Allen. After the way the last 12 games have gone, are they even still in the mix on him? Meanwhile, one insider says the Toronto Maple Leafs are really questioning how good their team is and if they need to rethink their strategy. The Nashville Predators are reportedly open to talking about a Juuse Saros trade under the right conditions. The Vancouver Canucks are extending Jim Rutherford’s contract. Finally, the Ottawa Senators have signed forward Shane Pinto, but there might be more news coming on that front.
Senators Sign Shane Pinto to 1-Year Deal
The Ottawa Senators have signed forward Shane Pinto to a one-year contract. Coming off of a 41-game suspension, it seemed clear that a league-minimum deal was the likely outcome of any negotiations and the extension is worth $775K. That said, Elliotte Friedman tweeted, “League minimum for this season, but sounds like there is work being done on a longer-term deal.” He is immediately eligible to sign an extension with the club that would start next season.
Pinto is eligible to return to action on Sunday in Philadelphia vs the Flyers. Clearly excited at the prospect of hopping back into the lineup soon, he was first on the ice this morning ahead of practice.
Oilers No Longer in Mix on Jake Allen
Friedman also reported on the most recent edition of 32 Thoughts the podcast, “I really do think there was a time this year I thought Jake Allen was going to be in Edmonton, now I’m not convinced that’s going to happen.” It sounds like the Oilers are content with their goaltending mix. Either that, or they are more interested in other names that have recently popped up in the trade market.
Related: Oilers Sit 3rd in Pacific After Beating Kraken For 12th Straight Win
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Stuart Skinner has been among the hotter goaltenders in the NHL over the past month and Calvin Pickard has played well in a limited backup role. And, if a bigger name becomes available at the deadline — like Juuse Saros or Marc-Andre Fleury — that might be of more interest to the Oilers.
Predators Open to Listening on Juuse Saros
Speaking of Saros, TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reported on a recent edition of TSN Insider Trading that talk out of Nashville was always that the Predators wanted to extend the star netminder. While…
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