In today’s NHL rumors rundown, the New York Islanders have hired Patrick Roy as their next head coach. Were there other candidates? How did this news seemingly pop up out of nowhere? Meanwhile, teams are calling the Montreal Canadiens about a possible trade for Arber Xhekaj. What is their response? The Vancouver Canucks are reportedly prioritizing a top-six forward and may have their eyes on a few players. Finally, the Edmonton Oilers are reportedly signing Corey Perry.
Islanders Hire Patrick Roy: He Was Their Only Candidate
According to Elliotte Friedman, the New York Islanders weren’t looking at any other coaching candidates outside of Patrick Roy when the team made the switch and relieved Lane Lambert of his coaching duties. No one really saw this coming, but Lou Lamoriello likes to keep things secretive. He did say that Roy “was the only person he talked to and that’s why he’s here.”
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Roy was apparently getting back on the radar of some other teams before being hired by the Islanders. The St. Louis Blues were rumored to have shown some interest and Roy was recommended for a coaching role in Ottawa.
Canucks Looking at a Few Top-Six Forwards
Friedman also noted during the same Saturday Headlines report that the Vancouver Canucks have made their priority at this season’s NHL Trade Deadline a top-six forward. They have reportedly discussed a few names and he pegged Jake Guentzel and Elias Lindholm among them.
Friedman explained:
“But the other thing that the fans are also going to be wondering about is the Canucks, and what they do with the deadline. There’s no question that they are looking hard at a top-six forward, somebody preferably with flexibility and you know the word is they’re looking at about four or five different players.”
It’s not clear who the other forwards are the Canucks are looking at, but Vladimir Tarasenko would make sense. The Senators are reportedly open to moving him if they officially become sellers are the trade deadline.
Canadiens Shooting Down Trade Interest in Arber Xhekaj
The Montreal Canadiens have squashed any trade requests involving defenseman Arber Xhekaj, says Friedman. Despite being loaned to AHL Laval over a month ago and his minor league status creating interest in what the Canadiens have planned, GM Kent Hughes has no interest in moving the blueliner.
Friedman noted:
“From what I’ve heard a number of teams have called Montreal and said, ‘well since he’s down there,…
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