In today’s NHL news and rumors, the Edmonton Oilers might have to make a roster change after losing Game 3, getting Adam Henrique into the lineup when they play at home on Monday night. Contract talks between the Tampa Bay Lightning and Steven Stamkos have begun, but could they take some time? Can the Vancouver Canucks afford to keep Elias Lindholm? Finally, are the Pittsburgh Penguins trying to sign Jaromir Jagr to an executive job?
Will the Oilers Go to Henrique in Game 3?
The Oilers were without center Adam Henrique in Game 2 and reports are that he’s very close, with some saying he’s around 98%, which is, honestly, better than many players probably playing in the playoffs right now. With the Oilers dropping Saturday’s Game 2, it might be time to get Henrique into Game 3 or Game 4 of the Western Conference Final.
Edmonton’s third line of Warren Foegele, Derek Ryan, and Ryan McLeod has not been good enough. A change needs to be made to boost that line, but the question about who comes out of the lineup for Edmonton is a dilemma. There are elements that each brings, especially on the penalty kill, which has been tremendous for Edmonton.
Related: 3 Takeaways From Oilers’ 3-1 Loss to Stars in Game 2
An interesting side note to the Oilers and Stars series. PuckPedia confirmed that if the Oilers win the Conference Finals against the Stars, they will need to pay Corey Perry a $50K performance bonus. Perry hit the first qualifier for the bonus because he played in 50% of the team’s playoff games. If the Oilers end up having to pay the second bonus to Perry, they will add on to an already league-leading overage penalty for next season at $3.55 million.
Lightning and Stamkos Talking Extension
As per Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic, the Tampa Bay Lightning and Steven Stamkos have finally begun their contract talks. GM Julien BriseBois mentioned that the acquisition of Ryan McDonagh doesn’t mean the team can’t find the cap space to re-sign Stamkos. But, it does make things tighter.
LeBrun explains:
This one could go right to the wire. Stamkos has been the face of the franchise forever, so this isn’t just about dollars and cents. I would hate to see that guy wear another uniform, but I can’t tell if they will be able to bridge the gap.
source – ‘Rumblings on Guentzel, Kane, Stamkos, Lindholm, Bertuzzi and more as NHL free-agent market heats up’ – Pierre LeBrun – The Athletic – 05/24/2024
Canucks Likely to Lose Elias Lindholm
LeBrun…
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